Voices of Poverty: Building A Cycle of Hope

Neighborhood Ministries, serving some of Phoenix's poorest residents. They not only care for their physical needs but also their emotional, mental and spiritual needs.

                                              MARICOPA COUNTY               SERVICE AREA

Median Family Income             $46,322                                  $26,771

Households living
below poverty line                     13%                                            36%

People over 25
with less than a
HS education                              18%                                           58%

Female heads of
households with children
under 18                                     11%                                           45%

It is their goal to help those trapped in poverty learn how to get out and stay out. Many families continue in poverty, dependent on the government for minimal support, from generation to generation. The children do not learn the work ethic or have encouragement from their parents and easily fall into the same pattern of dependency. Many of the young adults/children are living in homes with domestic violence, drugs, abuse - both physical and sexual, and gang activity.

With no role stable role models, how will these children learn to break out of poverty?

Neighborhood Ministries strives to provide food, clothing, a safe place to hang out, community, and so many other things. Please visit the website for Neighborhood Ministries to see all the programs and volunteer opportunities offered.

I wanted to point out a few of the great programs they offer.

Kids' Life - weekly, K-12th grade kids can come after school to their building to enjoy a safe environment and friends, as well as food and other fun games.

Education for Life is a great program that mentors K-12th graders. One of the biggest things Neighborhood focuses on is building relationships with the people in the neighborhood, letting them know that some one cares and loves them. Many children do not have their parents there supporting and encouraging them to do well in school, or finish at all. Seeing people are willing to care and take time to hang out with them, shows them love that they may not be getting at home.

For different events, Neighborhood Ministries will drive around the town picking up kids to bring to the event, then taking them home after.

"To be the presence of Jesus Christ, sharing His life-transforming love, hope, and power among distressed families of urban Phoenix, igniting their passion for God and His Kingdom." ~ Neighborhood Ministries