For the past 7 years I’ve volunteered weekly at First Glance. First Glance is a youth center in Akron’s Kenmore community. Their programs include a recreational night, a young adults program, an abstinence program, a Teen Mom and Young Mom program, and the program I have been volunteering for: The skatepark. All of these programs are centered around helping at risk youth in a working class community.
Two years ago the skatepark moved to a new space with a completely redesigned park, a fully stocked skateshop and lounge for all the skaters in our community. We have seen tremendous results within the community and have made lasting, positive relationships with the skateboarders and their families.
In recent months a real need has arisen for a Skatepark/Media Coordinator at First Glance. The individual who previously held this position was called to Taiwan for mission work. I never thought I would be called to lead the skatepark program but Helaina and I feel God pulling me into this position, and we are beyond excited. It’s clear that God has been leading me into this ministry role since I started here, and starting this December I am making a two year commitment of 30 hours a week to this position.
Our mission is to connect students to Christ and the church through real, loving, and non-threatening avenues. At the skatepark we do this through a growing weekly bible study, a comfortable environment that encourages spiritual conversations, an app based bible study program that the skaters can use to earn discounts on merchandise from the shop, yearly trips to minister at other skateparks, and overall a safe, and welcoming environment.
As well as a skatepark manager the need for a media coordinator exists. Graphic arts, video, and website projects are necessary to keep our community informed and engaged. My degree in graphic design and my 6+ years experience as a designer and graphic artist has prepared me for this as well.
I am overjoyed that God has called my family to this place. I want to humbly ask if you would support me in this mission. I am looking to raise $1200 a month in support for the next two years. Anything is appreciated. Whether you would be willing to commit to a monthly or yearly donation, or a one time donation, I would be extremely grateful and would love to have you come alongside my family in this mission.
If you aren’t able to give with finances but would like to donate time then please come by and volunteer a night at First Glance as we always need hands that are willing to get dirty. More importantly than finances or even volunteering, I want to ask for your prayer. If you would place Helaina and me on your prayer list we would appreciate it greatly. We know we will need it the next two years as we are taking a leap of faith and trusting that God is in control of our future.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you for taking the time to read this. Please give me a call because I would love to share more about this amazing opportunity at First Glance.
With love and gratitude,
Jeremy DePace
firstglance.org
330.814.2982
jeremy@firstglance.org