Philosophy of Ministry:

This program is for teens. We call it PTS or Power to Succeed. We are going through a book written by Rev. Davis called "Talks My Father never had with me" and a book by his wife "Talks my mother never had with me". This program deals with subjects such as being brought up without a father in the home, poverty, gangs, racism, how to get a job, how to handle money, and many others (28 topics in all)

We now have modest funding and have begun a new tutoring program. 
   This new tutoring program more aggressively partners with middle and high school students to help them successfully learn and complete class assignments.  The “homework tutors” will work with students, and their parents and teachers when possible,  to help develop a more coordinated approach to learning.  We have been given the use of a house (614 Benjamin) located next to the youth center where College students and committed adults will provide this homework help to young neighborhood students. We are seeking committed college students to live upstairs ( for reduced rent )and be an active, regular part of this program.
       2-21-08 Eastown Ministries Homework House finished the third week of operation attracting more students each day. Mostly elementary and middle school students started coming. Several high school students have expressed interest and a few have started coming to find a quiet, place to study and get help from a volunteer.
       We need more volunteers to meet the growing number of students who have expressed a need of academic encouragement and guidance.

This is an adult Study and support group. Several men and women from the community come. The two hours consists of refreshments, singing, discussion and study time, and prayer. Once a month we have crafts for the ladies. We also offer a clothing closet, food pantry and some furniture. We also have a meal together per month. Occasionally we go on outings together during the month.

$7,200 for building rent for 12 months
$1,000 for building repairs/improvements
$4,000 for utilities for 12 months (gas, electric, water and phone)
$2,000 for supplies for the year (books, curriculum, cleaning supplies, computer paper and ink, etc)
$1,200 for Directors Salary for 12 months (Jim and Carol Carpenter raise their own personal support. We should contribute more!)
$1,000 for purchasing snacks and stocking our food pantry for the year to be purchased from Gleaners Second Harvest food bank,
$2,500 for special events for the kids and teens (Lock in at the YMCA, trip to Meijer Gardens, Pool party, Ice Cream Social etc.)
$3,000 for insurance.
$ 600 Speaker fees
$7,400 for funding Tutoring program (This program needs a coordinator.)

  If you would like to partner with us by contributing financial support to this neighborhood youth & family ministry:
please send your financial contributions to Eastown Ministries Treasurer,  1330 Logan SE, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49506.

If you can personally volunteer your time to help in this ministry, please contact Jim Carpenter: Phone (616) 785-2721