Cohab IV Community
Assis, São Paulo – Brazil Project started: August 2006 Geographic setting: Urban Language: Portuguese Children participating per week: 60+ Local Church Partner: Independent Presbyterian Church of Paulista Garden Economy: Mix of agricultural and manufacturing Challenges: Poverty, drug traffic, addiction, violence, high male incarceration, youth prostitution Interesting tidbits: This, the very first Open Arms outreach project, was started by our founders, Michael & Patricia Meyers,
Assis – Boys Soccer Outreach
Assis, São Paulo – Brazil Project started: 2009 Geographic setting: Urban Language: Portuguese Children participating per week: 100+ (Ages 6-15 years) Economy: Mix of agricultural and manufacturing Challenges: Poverty, drug traffic, addiction, violence, high male incarceration Approach: Through the vehicle of sport our coaches and volunteers use God’s Word to mentor these young people and develop in them Christian character traits that will serve
Colinas Park Community
Assis, São Paulo – Brazil Project started: May 2010 Local Church Partner: A partnership of Baptist and Presbyterian Churches Geographic setting: Urban Language: Portuguese Children participating per week: 100+ Economy: Mix of agricultural and manufacturing Challenges: Poverty, drug traffic, addiction, violence, high male incarceration Interesting tidbits: This neighborhood became the largest slum in the city of Assis when a government housing project was completed