YLEAD

t the community has the resources that we need to be powerful. Bridging the two worlds will allow Faith-Based Youth Leaders to take a holistic approach when ministering to those whom we serve. I have been working as a Youth Leader in the church for 30 years (Yes, I started young) and in the community for the last 24 years. My background in Criminal Justice with a focus on Juvenile Justice has equipped me with resources that the church does not always have access too. With everything that is happing in our world, state and city, we have to be holistic in our approach. Prayer, fasting, and good ole bible teaching sows good seeds in the hearts of our youth. But when we educate ourselves on different community resources, counseling services available, different drug addictions, and on the various sexually transmitted diseases, along with how to identify youth who are struggling with mental health issues, we open the door for intentional impact to their lives.