Children and Youth Program
The mission of the NFNL children and youth program is to aid in cultivating and enhancing the emotional, educational and spiritual development of the students in an effort to help them become successfully functioning individuals.
Protégés and potential protégés are encouraged to bring their children to our Wednesday night meeting. Each week we serve between 20-40 children and youth ranging in age from birth to 18 years of age in programs for preschool, elementary, and middle school/high school students.
The children of New Friends New Life are precious to our protégées and are often their motivation to pursue a different way of life. Children are an integral part of the NFNL ministry and we are committed to helping these young people grow and mature emotionally, spiritually, academically and physically. The NFNL children and youth program was initially born out of necessity. Many of the protégées who attended our Wednesday evening programs had either nursery-, preschool- or elementary-aged children and no resources for childcare.
In January 2007 the program expanded as Roxanne Wright, M.Ed, L.P.C joined NFNL staff as a part-time children’s advocate. Roxanne’s role is to oversee and develop the children and youth program on Wednesdays, as well as serve as an advocate for the children and youth and a support to the protégés in their efforts to parent and cultivate the family unit. Now we have numerous male and female volunteers whocoordinate activities and serve as role models for the children of NFNL each Wednesday night.
Process for participating in the Children and Youth Program:
Parents are asked to sign in with their children in as they enter the Wednesday night meeting. All ages begin each Wednesday evening with a hot meal. The evening’s schedule varies with each age group.
**Visitors: you may wish to call the office (214.965.0935) to verify attendance of yourself and your child or children. This is primarily so we can ensure we have enough food and volunteers to supervise your children.
Nursery and Preschool : The nursery and preschool program is self-contained in one area and is staffed with paid childcare providers. In the toddler program, volunteers conduct social, academic and creative activities for the children.
Elementary Program : The elementary program serves children 4 years old through the 5th grade. After dinner, they participate in a series of rotations based on age beginning with a Biblical drama, which is followed by tutoring and a life skills segment. In the academic rotation, we encourage the protégés to have their children bring their homework. We also spend time reinforcing basic reading and math skills. The life skills segment is based on curriculum that focuses on developing strong character. We end the evening with a recreation hour under the direction of volunteers.
Youth Program : Our middle school and high school students are participating in the Preston Road Church of Christ (PRCC) teen program under the direction of John and Crysty Kimberlin. After dinner, these students participate in Bible study, games and social recreation time. Many of our teens also participate in various outside activities sponsored by the PRCC youth program. In fall 2007, in an effort to make more connections with the NFNL teens, we added James Yarbrough to partner with the Kimberlins. James is the founder of J & B Outreach, a ministry that strives to reach struggling youth and prepare them for a brighter future.
Counseling : Through volunteer Licensed Professional Counselors and interns, we provide individual counseling services for our elementary-age children. We hope to expand this to encompass all ages in the future.
