Open Arms’ Neighborhood Kids Clubs are the primary tool of our strategy to reach children at risk with the life transforming message of hope in Jesus right in their community. It is from these clubs that all of our other programs grow and are sustained.
Engaging the Community
The heart of these clubs begins with mobilizing and training local Christian churches; forming partnerships with civic groups, schools, and businesses; and facilitating use of physical resources in at-risk communities. This work is carried out by Open Arms missionaries that we call our Agents of Hope.
Engaging the Children
Open Arms Neighborhood Kids Clubs engage children between the ages of 6 and 13 by providing healthy social and recreational opportunities, biblically-based moral and civic education, and guidance for growing in grace and wisdom within their cultural context.
After-School Curriculum
Using a combination of large- and small-group teaching methods, the “Open Arms Quest” curriculum introduces children to the time-tested principles of the Bible and the person of Jesus Christ. Participants learn lessons on personal and interpersonal conduct, civic and moral responsibility, and the importance of family through theoretical and practical lessons, games, and community service projects.
Transforming Communities
These clubs are gateways to transforming entire communities. When we bring the hope of Jesus to children in need, they create connections that ripple out to struggling families, bringing them the support they desperately need. As these families are linked to the local church, a powerful network of care is built, fostering hope and change. Through this cycle of support, whole communities are uplifted, one child at a time
Counting the Cost
Open Arms uses a community-based approach and this allows a lot of mileage for each dollar invested. Here is the breakdown of Life Investor opportunities (each After-School Project reaches an average of 75 children):
An investment of $20 per month supplies 1/50 of the total cost of starting a Neighborhood Kids Club and ongoing costs for one year. That’s 70 cents per day!
For $1,000 a month you can fund a single Project for a year.
Funding the opening of a new region with up to ten Kids Clubs requires a minimum monthly gift of $10,000.
Open Arms is the love of Christ and the hope of the gospel in action through godly and caring community leaders. The best part is how easy it is for outside churches to partner and serve with them!