Connections

With help and support from their community, Arizona Teen Challenge organized a Back to School Bash on July 16, 2011. Local businesses and churches joined together to make this a successful outreach to those in inner-city Phoenix. The Fire Department joined with Teen Challenge to provide school supplies to fill backpacks to be given to the kids attending. They also grilled burgers for the crowd of over 1,000. Free food, entertainment, a car show and free school supplies made a great time. Everyone had a blast and the planning has already started for next year.

This is a good example of joining forces with others to make a positive impact on your community. Don’t think that you and your ministry have to do it all yourselves. Reach out to others and build relationships with other ministries, business and individuals in your area. The center in Phoenix did not do any fundraising, but they certainly portrayed a positive image for the community, which will be helpful in the future when they are doing fundraising events.

Take a couple of minutes to watch a brief video of the event. It will inspire you, and give you the confidence to hold your own Back to School Bash next year.