Welcome to Freedom for Youth Ministries’ Website. God birthed this ministry in 2004 through an 18-year-old girl found living under a bridge in downtown Des Moines. Since then the ministry has grown to include after-school programming for inner-city youth ages 6-17 at our Freedom Center campus, transitional housing for young adults ages 18-22, and youth centers in rural communities of Iowa.

Watch the video and peruse the information to see that God’s plan to rescue our lost and hurting youth in Iowa is nothing short of miraculous! Jesus Christ is our foundation, our leader and the core of what we teach. To Him be all honor and glory and praise. Our mission can only be accomplished through His church as fellow believers come to serve and bring gifts. If God is touching your heart to get involved, we would love to visit with you!

– Mark Nelson, Executive Director

You Can Make a Difference by Being a Tutor

Freedom for Youth Can Show You How

Want to be the person who helps a young person go from a D to a B in high school? Want to be the person who helps a second grader develop a love for reading? Want to be the person who helps a young adult blaze a different trail in life by attaining a GED? Let us introduce you to a young person who needs a difference-maker in his or her life.

Elementary Tutors – Whiz Kidz

Elementary volunteers are with the kids for two hours, which includes play time, bible time, a meal and tutoring. The tutoring segment is about thirty minutes of time spent on reading or math. Freedom for Youth supplies the materials. At times, the students bring work from school.  Elementary hours for the flagship location on Hickman Road are from 5-7 pm, Mondays and Wednesdays.

Middle School Tutors – Discovery

Middle school tutors focus on schoolwork for at least one hour a week during learning labs. Tutors assist with general homework or oversee learning activities supplied by Freedom for Youth.  The primary areas are reading and math. When students anticipate working regularly on one subject, Freedom can contact the teacher in order to help you better understand the topic.  Middle school hours for the flagship location on Hickman Road are from 3-4 pm, Tuesdays (boys) and Thursdays (girls).

High School Tutors – Journey

High school tutors are matched with individual teachers in order to specialize in a topic. The flagship location on Hickman currently works with teachers at North, Hoover and Roosevelt high schools. Tutoring takes place from 3:15 to 5:00 pm on Mondays at the Hickman campus; and 12:45 to 2:45 pm on Wednesdays at the high schools. Tutors may choose one or both days.

Young Adult Tutors – Transitions

Young adults may need assistance in obtaining a GED or help with initial college courses. Tutoring times vary, but are usually take place sometime between 9:00 am and 2:00 pm, Monday through Saturday at the Hickman Road location.

To become a tutor, contact Jacqueline Gibson, at (515) 282-4822 or email jgibson@freedomforyouth.org OR Martha Burch at mburch@freedomforyouth.org or (515) 282-4822 ext. 29. You will complete a volunteer application and choose the time and grade level best suited for you! Freedom for Youth Ministries, 2301 Hickman Road, Des Moines, IA 50310

Volunteers Needed!

Here are JUST A FEW of the volunteer positions we have open and available right now. Can you help us spread the word to family and friends that have gifts and abilities in these areas?

• A team of 4 to lead Learning Lab on Tuesday and/or Thursday afternoons for Jr. High students

• 10 additional elementary tutors on Monday and/or Wednesday nights

• An individual or team of leaders for Worship on Wednesday for the Jr. High program

• 5 assistants for the  high school job and college prep activities on Monday afternoons

• A team of 3 volunteers to lead Financial Peace University for the young adult men and women in our transitional housing programs

For even more opportunities, check out our VOLUNTEER page, give us a call, or stop in and learn how you can be involved! We have many great ways to for individuals or small groups to serve. 

Our current operating budget is roughly $56,000 per month. Contributions are received primarily from a broad base of individuals who make up 70% of the total giving. The remaining 30% comes from the church mission budgets, corporate and private foundations. The ministry does not pursue any government funds, which we believe would compromise the mission of the ministry. The ministry has no long term debt.

With minimal administrative and fund raising expenses, your gift will directly impact the lives of the youth we serve. Click the DONATE button below to give today!