Ephesians 4:4-6 There is one body and one spirit -- just as you were called to one hope when you were called -- one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
History
Dr. Dwight and Stephanie Young had worked with youth for 17 years when they began pursuing a neighborhood-based solution to the gap in after school services.
Their vision was to serve at-risk students and families-- teens trying to raise themselves because dad was in jail and mom was an alcoholic or drug addict, single moms struggling to figure out how to get the kids to do their homework and stay out of trouble until she got home from work –with limitless personal potential but whose socio-economic, educational or physical needs were unmet or served as obstacles to development.
Initial partnerships with local middle and high schools for after school events laid the groundwork for BLOC Ministries, Inc., a faith-based non-profit organization founded in 1998. Vision/Mission
Now entering its 12th year, BLOC Ministries has grown to serve over 1500 individuals each month in four distinct neighborhoods.
BLOC’s driving force is to strengthen disadvantaged youth and families through student communities.
We open our doors after school to offer free activities and programs, seeking to positively engage students and offer a place of respite from the risks of their streets. We are not about numbers, but instead take time and grow personal relationships with our neighbors in order to optimally serve them. In neighborhoods where there are few positive alternatives, BLOC offers an antidote to boredom and to the enticement of substance abuse or other risky behaviors.
Through BLOC’s informal approach as a neighborhood center, many youth in need of intervention arrive first for a fun place to hang out with friends. Some older students bring younger siblings, who are also welcome here. The friendly atmosphere we offer draws them into relationship with us. We listen, befriend, and guide towards free support programs thatencourage, educate and strengthen.
Our newest outreach serves the large Hispanic community living in East Price Hill. We offer programs to help these marginalized families reduce cultural barriers and gain literacy skills.
Our vision is to help rebuild these communities – one student, one family, one block at a time –
with renewed dedication to positive life choices
and healthy behaviors.
