Program: Bayshore Christian Ministries
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Mission: To equip East-of-Bayshore youth to grow spiritually, gain life skills and develop as leaders so that they have hope and a future.
Field Updates 2014 |
Description: Bayshore Christian Ministries was established to serve the children and teens who live in East Palo Alto and East Menlo Park, California. These communities have historically been marginalized from the rest of wealthy Silicon Valley. As a result, youth and families struggle with poverty, under-performing schools, broken homes and gang violence. Regardless of race, religion, ability, or ethnic origin, Bayshore strives to help them grow into healthy adults that will positively influence their families and community. Bayshore helps these youth to build relationships with their families and those around them, supporting them with spiritual, academic and leadership development.
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BCM hired seven local young adults to run the summer programs. The interns arrived in late June for training which was offered in partnership with another local nonprofit, Able Works. They ended their summer with a retreat where they reflected on their new abilities to work better on teams, solve problems more effectively and communicate clearly to their supervisors. We are prayerful that these job skills gained will serve them well into their future. Two other young summer leaders are of special note and are both alumnae of BCM programs. Sammetra Daniels returned from New York where she works with at risk youth, to be our Summer Bible Club Outreach Assistant. And, Jazmin Perez, a sophomore at Ohio University, returned as our Creative Arts Coordinator. We're so thankful for their support, and so proud of all they have accomplished so far!
TESTIMONIAL We were thankful TFISH continues to think about those we serve, and offer support in other ways beyond grant-making--support of volunteers and special events.We enjoy the partnership with the Transparent Fish Fund. We especially like how involved the foundation is with what is happening. |
Intern, Jorge Peraza learned he could be used to change a child's life in the classroom. The girl's name was Daniela. Jorge noticed she was extremely shy around new people, and didn't want to give answers when called on in class, even though she knew the answer. Her apprehension may have been caused by a lack of self-confidence developed when she was held back in the first grade. When Jorge discovered this, he thought about what he could do to make all of his students feel comfortable contributing in class.
He began to research online, and found out if he arranged the seating in a certain way, it would minimize distractions in the classroom. After implementing that simple change, and intentionally working with Daniela, Jorge noticed a difference. Daniela understood much of the curriculum, and even raised her hand to answer the questions. Jorge was so excited to be affirmed as a teacher and mentor of the students he was entrusted with this summer. And, he learned a valuable lesson: if something isn't working, put in the effort to try to change it. You might just change the situation--and change someone's life! |
Field Updates 2013
This year, BCM hired four local high school aged interns and one assistant program manager. These five new staff members traveled to a college campus to undergo their Child Evangelism Fellowship training. Soon after they began to run the bible club for BCM: leading activities, songs, sharing, skits and bonding. 120 children attended the Summer Bible Program this year!
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Tammy, the Summer Bible Club Program Manager, oversaw five bible clubs throughout the East-of-Bayshore community for many students. Students met for five days and learned about the bible. Tammy observed that many of the teenagers hired as volunteers truly connected with the young students and will hopefully be able to continue their work as spiritual mentors.
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BCM set up Summer Bible Clubs throughout the city at five sites this summer. During the programs, 15 children were inspired to convert and the youth also collected $23.85 for missionary service in Asia.
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Group photo at the end of the year Bible Club Celebration 2013.
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