A Way Out
The Way Out Ministries was able to apply for a grant through the Los Angeles Center Against Drugs and Alcohol. Rachel Perez worked hard to present a program proposal for the “whole” family that took a “wrap around” approach to address the root causes for drug use, gang involvement and violence and called that program A Way Out.
We were awarded the grant and are excited to announce that after 4 months of weekly family based seminars, we are graduating 12 families that have been dedicated to the betterment of their households. We have addressed many topics such as budget planning and financial stability, communication skills, trauma counseling, the realities of gang involvement and drug use, and the importance of prioritizing family time and bonding. Many of the families have also begun attending our weekly programs at The Way Out Ministries. This program has been such a blessing and has helped so many families. We look forward to a continued relationship with those we have been able to reach.
Summer Fun Fiesta
Our first camp program of the summer was a a big hit at The Way Out Ministries in Hawaiian Gardens. The three hour a day, week-long urban camp program featured recreation, crafts, singing with a live band, Bible study and great food—all with a Mexican flare! At the end of the program we invited all the children’s (ages 4-11) parents to watch them perform songs and recite Bible passages that they had learned throughout the week. The festivities followed with a taco wagon dinner. Volunteers from our own mission church, The Gathering, ran the whole program with a little help from our staff and to God be the glory!
We are grateful to our camp sponsors who have made Summer Fun Fiesta, Camp My House and Zion Camp a reality this summer! Our last camp of the season is Family Camp (August 25-27) and is unique because it involves the whole family. It is a great bonding experience and a natural way to bring Jesus into a family fun experience through campfire sing-alongs, fellowship, conversation and camp church. We began our first Family Camp in 2011 and it has been in our summer camp line up ever since. Each year the camp grows with both returning families and new ones. Your sponsorship in any amount helps to provide a family camp spot and any supplies needed for a great camping experience.
You can become a Family Camp sponsor by donating in our office or by mail and designating “Family Camp” or at thewayout.org and click on “partner” and “Be A Camp Sponsor”.