Why the Agape Youth Center?

The question should be why not! The statistics says it all.

America’s Youth are facing enormous challenges. In Baltimore:

• juvenile arrests are over 1,500,
• five percent (5%) of homicides are of Youth under the age of 18,
• fifty-nine percent (59%) of kids are coming to school hungry, and
• only 72% of students are graduating from high school.

What makes you different from any other youth center?

We are independent. We are not a city or state managed organization. We are
governed by a Board of Directors and partnering with our city, state, and
Federal governments.

How are your services different from any other youth center?

Because we are rooted in Love. Our programs will be structured by current
events, the needs of the Youth, and the needs of each individual.

Why should I donate or contribute to the Agape Youth Center?

Your donation is an investment in the future of our Youth. Your donations will
help fund such programs as outreach, education, and food service. An early
investment in our Youth decreases the amount of taxes later paid for crime,
homelessness, incarceration, and public assistance.

How can I contribute other than money?

No contribution is too small. You can:

• Donate equipment to the center (computers, televisions, furniture, books, etc.)
• Donate food and beverage (non-carbonated)
• Donate service (construction, painting, maintenance, etc.)
• Volunteer

Do I have to be a member of the church to come to Agape Youth Center?

No. The center is open to ALL Youth between the ages of _______

Do Youth have to pay to come to Agape Youth Center?

No. The basic services are free. Youth just have to be registered with a parent or
guardian’s approval.

Is Agape Youth Center safe?

Yes. The center will have trained staff and routine patrols and visits by
Baltimore City Police Department.

Will adults be allowed to come to Agape Youth Center?

No. The only adults allowed to come to the center when Youth are present will
be approved and certified adults cleared to be at the center. The center will
operate as a school zone.

How much of the donations will go directly to Agape Youth Center?

All funds will go to support the foundation and center. Only full-time staff and
contractors will be paid.

References

2018 – Juvenile arrests in Baltimore were over 1500 (1,566) – Youth Arrest in Baltimore Down 55%, but Report Finds Racial Disparities and Other Problems in Justice System, Baltimore Sun, April 24, 2019

2018 – Of the 5,195 students in Baltimore City’s 2018 graduating class, 72.2% graduated in four years – This compared with the State of Maryland’s rate of 87.12% - Baltimore’s High School Graduation Rate Rises; State’s Rate Slips, Baltimore Sun, March 29, 2019

Youth Hunger: Hunger in Our Schools: No Kid Hungry One in Six (1 in 6) kids in America is facing hunger Teachers say hungry children’s futures are imperiled – 59% of kids are coming to school hungry

Five percent (5%) of 2018 homicides in Baltimore City were Youth under the age of 18 (15 of 309) –Baltimore Homicides Database, Baltimore Sun