07/01/2026
Éleos History: Post 3
We are back with the next chapter of our 10-year countdown, leading up to our block party on July 12th! Today we’re diving into 2018 and 2019—a season of learning to pivot, expanding the team, and putting down permanent roots in the neighborhood.
2018–2019 | Listening to Our Students: In 2018, we launched an After-School tutoring program to help students with their homework. But as we spent more time with them, our youth made it clear they wanted something deeper than just academic help—they were craving pure relationship, mentorship, and a place to belong after a long school day. We listened to their needs and shifted our approach to better serve them. In 2019, we launched “Éleos Kickbacks”—a safe, high-energy space where kids could just come, decompress, share a meal, and build organic, life-changing relationships with mentors. Listening to our students changed everything, and the room was instantly packed!
2019 | Growing the Team: As the ministry exploded, it became clear we needed more boots on the ground. In 2019, Éleos hired its very first full-time staff member, Grace Bridger! Bringing Grace on board meant more consistent hours on the neighborhood pavement, deeper relationships with families, and a huge leap forward for our daily programs.
2019 | We Bought the Building! This was the ultimate milestone of permanence. After renting and making do, Éleos officially purchased our building! Buying this property was a promise to Nicholtown: We aren’t going anywhere. It secured a permanent sanctuary where generations of youth would always know they belong.
Every breakthrough we experience today is built on the lessons we learned and the foundations we laid during these two incredible years.
WE WANT TO CELEBRATE WITH YOU! Come help us honor 10 years of stories, pivots, and community at our FREE 10-Year Celebration! Sunday, July 12th 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM at Lead Collective Live DJ, interactive games, and our favorite local food truck - Tasty. Bring the whole family!
