The Youth Center

08/01/2026

❤️🤗OUR VOLUNTEERS 🥹❤️
Marla Logeman
Kayla Dunbar
Evelyn Comer (Gear Up student)
Arrianna Talley
Johanna Kerr
Carl Johnson
Brenda Hill
Claire Bremer

To say I’m grateful for these loving and humble people is such an understatement.

Their dedication to our community and our children is unmatched in our eyes. They serve with their whole hearts as unto the Lord. While giving out hugs, smiles, high fives, pancakes lots of pancakes & popsicles..lol.. sometimes wiping away tears and fixing up booboos 🩹to shooting hoops, play games, tutoring, teaching Gods word, crafts and prayer 😅 all adds up to an amazing summer with an amazing group of kiddos!
Thank you for being apart of this journey ❤️

Evelyn 🤩 is our first volunteer that came out of the Gear Up After School Program and she did an amazing job! 🤗

I hope you all enjoy your much deserved break over the next few weeks … because, I sure do need you back August 31st😜🤗🙏🏼🫶🏼

Harvey and I love you dearly!!

08/01/2026

Thank you Tinkers Toys for a full day of Fun!

07/31/2026

Drew Quint and Chris Bowman
Thank you! The kids had a blast making so many fun memories!!

07/31/2026

What a glorious day this has been!
We are honored to announce our first recipient of the
Kelly Jennings Scholarship Award Ms. Kayla Dunbar.

Kayla Dunbar is a sophomore at WashU in St. Louis studying Biochemistry with plans to attend pharmacy school after graduation. She began volunteering with the Gear Up Afterschool Program in her senior year at Massac County High School through the National Honor Society. She then came to join us for the summer. Kayla said that she volunteers with Gear Up because of the love, joy, laughter, and inspiration that every child here creates. She says that to see them safe, growing, learning, and laughing as they play and praise is one of her greatest joys.
Kayla helped with tutoring, field trips, meals, games, swimming and lots of love for all. Kayla volunteered Monday -Friday 7:30 -4:00 for 8 weeks this summer. She help make a full-time camp a reality this year.

We are grateful to those that gave towards this scholarship it was more than we could’ve hope for and a true blessing.

We are especially thankful that Kelly’s wife Sara and children Brayden, Kylie and Keaton were able to join us today. Your presence meant everything to us.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.”
‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭4‬:‭7‬-‭8‬ ‭ESV‬‬

“TILL THE DEATH”
Happy Birthday Brother!
Until we all meet again
Never forgotten 🙏🏼

07/22/2026

Pacer Race

07/22/2026

Jump rope and Planks 😅🤣💪Challenge!

07/22/2026

Banana Split Contest

07/15/2026

Chocolate Factory 😋
Dixon Springs🥵😅

07/13/2026