New youth program in St. Paul empowers dozens of kids in underserved community
A new youth program at the Eastside Salvation Army in St. Paul is empowering local teenagers to learn new skills and become upstanding people in an underserved area of the Twin Cities community.
The aptly named program, called “EmpowerED,” includes about 35 kids who stop by every Wednesday for a night of faith-based creative learning activities and a sit-down dinner, served family style. (See photos of the kids showcasing their talent and accomplishments during a recent dinner and celebration event.)
EmpowerED is led by lifetime Eastside community member Marney Lofgren, who has been leading youth activities at the Eastside Salvation Army for 13 years.
“I’ve seen a total change in many of these kids because of this program,” said Lofgren (pictured). “Many of the kids arrive shy and quiet – then they start coming out of their shells.”
So it has gone for a young man named Jakobe, who recently stepped outside of his comfort zone to lead EmpowerED participants in a prayer before they ate dinner together.
“This program feels like home,” said Jakobe, who lives in a group home. “When you’re here, you don’t have to worry about outside distractions. The food is great, and the activities are fun.”
EmpowerED activities are offered by kindhearted community volunteers who share their knowledge and expertise in skills such as sewing, cooking, jewelry making, acting, singing, and more.
“We are always looking for new volunteers with different life skills to teach,” Lofgren said. “You just never know what kinds of activities will be popular. We didn’t think sewing would be a popular activity, but the next thing we knew, there was a waiting list.”
A participant named Andreiny took the sewing class and loved it. She was taught by a local volunteer named Pattie Kelley, with materials purchased by another Salvation Army supporter, Jayne Clairmont, who serves on The Salvation Army’s Twin Cities advisory board.
“Before this class, I didn’t know anything about quilting,” Andreiny said. “Now I love to quilt. It’s very peaceful.”
The idea to start EmpowerED began last year as a pipedream among local kids who perform school internships at the Eastside Salvation Army.
“The kids wanted to start a community-oriented program with volunteers and mentors who could come in and teach them things,” Lofgren said. “They wanted a safe place to be where they could be loved and accepted. We often tell the kids that even if they don’t have a lot of support at home, it doesn’t take blood to be related.”
A former Eastside intern named Rico, 17, provided input into the creation of EmpowerED and is thrilled by its success.
“I love how everyone comes together, no matter their race or how much money they have,” said Rico, who was recently named Salvation Army Youth Volunteer of the Year. “I love the people here. I love the community. I love that we all talk about Jesus and pray a lot. It’s beautiful.”
If you or someone you know would like more information about becoming a volunteer or mentor at the Eastside Salvation Army, please call Marney Lofgren at 651-776-8169.
You can join The Salvation Army's mission of serving others by giving a donation or signing up to volunteer.