Our Mission
Freedom for Youth Ministries offers the love of Jesus Christ to homeless and at-risk youth which empowers them to break bondages in their lives, discover their God-given purpose and lead a life filled with faith, hope and love.

Vision
To unite the Christian community to reach out to our lost and hurting youth in Des Moines and empower them to demonstrate their love for Jesus through sharing their time and talents with the youth we serve.

Values
Freedom for Youth Ministries will work to:

  • Share the gospel of Jesus Christ as the foundation of true renewal and hope in life.
  • Unite the churches, who also focus on Jesus, His death and resurrection, to empower them to serve as they are called.
  • Love the youth unconditionally as Christ did without regard to race, past history or current condition.
  • Offer a safe and loving ministry for youth, volunteers, and staff, which stimulates spiritual growth in their life.
  • Operate a ministry that is above reproach in its fiscal responsibility, integrity and perception in the community.

Staff
Our staff is comprised of the following full-time positions:

  • Joyce Jones – Office Manager
  • Denise Juhl – Program Manager
  • Tony Didlo – Promise House parent
  • Lynn Jesse – Facilities manager/work group leader
  • Mark Nelson – Executive Director
  • Melanie Wise – Volunteer Coordinator
  • Amy Griffin – Discipleship Coordinator
  • Maxwell Clark– Discipleship Coordinator

Programs
We offer a broad range of programs (GED classes, driver's training, Bible studies, vision/goal setting, etc.) to reach out to the youth we serve. Since our inception in 2004, we have ministered to over 300 homeless, ages 18-21. In 2007 our program outreach expanded significantly to include many activities such as fine arts, woodworking, welding, music, drama, mechanical, computer, gardening and cooking.  We will also begin new programs for our inner-city at-risk youth ages 6-12.

Facilities
The ministry operates from two locations:

  • Freedom Center Campus: A 6-acre area located in Des Moines' inner city. Campus includes the following buildings:
    1. Worship/Teaching Center/Kitchen
    2. Woodworking shop
    3. Metals shops
    4. Activity Center
    5. Art Studio
    6. Craft Store
    7. Administration
    8. Mechanical Shop

The campus also includes 4 acres of woodlands, which will someday include a ropes course and nature trails.

  • Promise House: A newly renovated 3-story home located at 3100 6 th Ave. in Des Moines (approximately 1.5 miles from the Freedom Center Campus). The Promise House offers a transitional housing program for young men ages 18-22.

Financial overview
Our current operating budget is roughly $35,000 per month. Contributions are received primarily from a broad base of individuals who make up 60% of the total giving. The remaining 40% comes from the church mission budgets, corporate and private foundations. The ministry does not pursue any government funds, which we believe may compromise the mission of the ministry. The ministry has to long term debt.