Programs

Whiz Kidz Tutoring

Whiz Kidz is a free program for elementary children in Des Moines’ inner city. Activities include group Bible Talk Time and a full meal followed by quiet time where tutors and students can work on reading and homework. Children in Whiz Kidz get personal attention and care from their tutor, which often translates into increased reading and academic skills. Tutors are encouraged to communicate with each child’s teacher and/or parent to focus on areas needing attention and discuss progress.

Currently, our tutoring session is held on Monday and Wednesday evenings from 5:30pm to 7:00pm. During the summer, Sonshine Kidz will be held during the weekday afternoons. Please call or email Melanie Wise, program coordinator, at 515-282-4822 or mwise@freedomforyouth.org for more details.

Freedom Quest

The Freedom Quest Program for junior high and high school inner-city students is free, year-round program for the students. The Freedom Quest program is where youth can find a fun, safe place to learn about God’s love for them, explore their gifts and talents through opportunities and set goals for their future.

Each opportunity lasts for six to eight weeks. At the end of the session, the students can pick two new opportunities or continue in one if they choose. Classes include (but are not limited to): woodworking, welding, art, singing, writing, guitar, videography, photography, scrapbooking, pottery, drama, auto mechanics and more.

In addition to the weekly program at the Freedom Center Campus, Freedom Quest offers day trips, weekend retreats, and week-long summer camp for the students regularly attending the program. We also lead many games to exercise team building and leadership skills in a fun way.

Maxwell Clark and Katie McDermott are the program coordinators, call them today if you’re a jr. high or high school student interested in joining or the parent, guardian, or youth worker who knows of a student who might benefit from our program.

Call Katie or Maxwell at 515-282-4822 or email at
kmcdermott@freedomforyouth.org or mclark@freedomforyouth.org

Transitional Living

At the Promise House young men between the ages of 18 and 22 will experience living in a structured, loving environment, free of the chaos and uncertainties of their past living arrangements.

During their stay, which will typically last from 12-18 months, the boys will hear the life-changing gospel of Jesus Christ. Youth will develop goals and a plan of action and prepare for their future through education, either GED or post high-school trade school or college. The young men will also work part-time at the Freedom Center to help with living expenses and to develop skills in money management, saving and fiscal responsibility.

Under the leadership of Tony Didlo, our resident house parent, the boys will develop Christian disciplines and equip them to someday be a Christ-centered husband and father living out God’s plan for their lives.

Call or email Tony at 515-282-4822 or tdidlo@freedomforyouth.org

Rural Outreach

Freedom for Youth is working to establish teen drop-in centers in rural Iowa communities. We are searching for Christians in communities who want to reach out to their youth and would like help building the infrastructure needed. Rural centers can establish their own non-profit corporation or come under Freedom for Youth’s umbrella. The following towns are operating centers:

• Jewell
• Mitchellville
• Osceola

If you are interested in helping the youth in your community, please call or email Neal Bunn at 515-282-4822 or nbunn@freedomforyouth.org