Past Annual Reports - CityYouth Ministries

2014 Year In Review
Developing Christ followers while building
Strength, Wisdom and Character in young people.
MESSAGE FROM THE
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Welcome to the first ever Annual Report for CityYouth Ministries (CYM). We get asked a lot
“What all do you do at CityYouth?” Our goal with this document is to give you open access to
all that goes into changing the lives of vulnerable young people in Jonesboro, Arkansas. When
we provide opportunities, the world of possibility opens up and our kids begin to understand
that their dreams are achievable.
We always say that ’trying to build a successful life without access to opportunities is like
In this issue...
trying to build a house without tools’. It takes a lot of teamwork and resources to overcome
chronic poverty. Each of us can provide a tool to a child who is trying to decide what his
“house” is going to look like. Our objective is to help kids build their houses on a solid Christ-

MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE
DIRECTOR

WHAT IS CITYYOUH MINISTRIES?
centered foundation.
When you invest in the lives of CityYouth kids you are investing in the future of this community and our state. You are providing the “pictures” on the walls of each child’s house by build-
MISSION AND VISION
ing memories that shape their beliefs about what is possible for them. Thank you for taking

CORE Values
time to see where your investment of time and resources is being spent.

THE DATA: DEMOGRAPHICS

THE DATA: STRENGTH, WISDOM,
CHARACTER

THE DATA: FUNDING

GROWTH GOALS

RESOURCES
What is CityYouth Ministries?
Mission and Vision
Developing Christ followers while building Strength, Wisdom and
Character in young people.
Our goal is to equip tomorrow’s leaders with the tools they need to build productive
lives founded solidly in Christ. We believe that a Christ-centered life will help them
weather the trials they will face over time. We focus on delivering high-quality afterschool and summer programs that are rigorous and challenge our students to become stronger, wiser people who live lives of integrity.
Our mission is integrated into all activities within the organization to fulfill the vision
of improving family engagement, enhancing community responsibility, advancing
academic achievement to improve college and career access and success, and building positive social support systems for at-risk youth.
2014 Bible Theme
This year we chose ‘Who I Am’ as our Bible theme. During the first part of the year students discovered who they are by exploring their interests. Then we planted our garden
and explored some of the characteristics of God as related through the summer growing
process. Finally, we put it all together to determine who I am in God’s image and why it
matters so much to live a life for Christ. This theme and accompanying bible verses were
infused into every aspect of the program.
STRENGTH
Includes daily physical activity period,
daily nutritious snack and meal, BMI
screenings, Cooking Matters
education, on-site garden initiative.
WISDOM
Includes daily learning time, webbased academic assessment three
times annually, certified teacher as
Learning Lab Coordinator, tutoring,
brand new computer lab time utilizing
school based learning applications.
CORE Values
We strive for an integrated approach to our program delivery. It is important for our
environment to reflect an effort to address the whole child, and to serve as a bridge
between home, school, church and the community at-large. Our strategic plan
reflects a commitment to Christ, Others, Rigor and Engagement. The Board of Directors is dedicated to ensuring that CityYouth serve as an oasis to the surrounding
community and a liaison between those living in financial stability and those living in
poverty. These values drive every aspect of the organizational structure. We focus
CHARACTER
on the CORE values at every level of our programming. Each day students rotate
Includes daily Bible class, daily
CityGroups team building and social
intervention time, a staff of Social
Work interventionists who conduct
developmental assets surveys and
connect families with community
resources.
experience a variety of activities including but not limited to:
through four sessions.: Bible, CityGroups, Health/Wellness and Learning Lab. They
Programs

Minimum of forty minutes weekly in Learning Lab reading, tutoring or continuing computer work started at school using webbased applications.

Minimum of forty minutes weekly of whole group or small group
physical activity.

Minimum of forty minutes weekly of Bible class coordinated with a
annual and monthly theme.

Minimum of forty minutes weekly in social intervention through
our unique CityGroups model.

Special programming from strong community partnerships.

One on One mentoring.

Federally regulated nutritious snack and meal daily.

Trimester academic assessment using NWEA (MAP) tests to
determine academic growth in Reading and Math.
2014 Data
Demographics
Ethnicity
African American: 77%
Caucasian—10%
Hispanic—3%
Multi-Ethnic—10%
General Data 2014

269 youth served during the school year.

297 youth served during the summer.

566 duplicated participants.

453 unduplicated participants.

98% of CYM youth attend from schools with 86% or more free and reduced
lunch attendance.
Gender

2862 Volunteer hours logged for 2014. This equals more than $54,000 inkind support from the community.
Female—48%
Male—52%
Daily Schedule
Students are divided into developmentally appropriate age groups. Grades
1-3 meet on Mondays and Tuesdays. Grades 4-6 meet on Wednesday and
Thursdays. Grades 7-12 meet on Fridays. Additionally, school-based
Age
CityGroups meet on Mondays (Jonesboro High School) and Thursdays
(Annie Camp and McArthur Junior High). School year hours: 3:30—5:30.
Grades 1-3—40%
Grades 4-6—36%
Grades 7-12—24%
Summer hours: 9:00—4:00. Students rotate through CORE sessions and a
variety of special programs during their time with us.
General Program Data

Minimum of forty minutes weekly in Learning Lab reading, tutoring or
continuing computer work started at school using web-based applications.

Minimum of forty minutes weekly of whole group or small group physical activity.

Minimum of forty minutes weekly of Bible class coordinated with a
annual and monthly theme.

Minimum of forty minutes weekly in social intervention through our
unique CityGroups model.

Special programming from strong community partnerships.

One on One mentoring and tutoring.

Federally regulated nutritious snack and meal daily.

Trimester academic assessment using NWEA (MAP) tests to determine
academic growth in Reading and Math.

40 Developmental Assets survey administered to determine social
strengths and weaknesses.
About the Data
We partner with several local organizations and Arkansas State University to
provide volunteers and interns from the
College of Nursing and Health Promotions for our various Health and Wellness
offerings. Growing strong means growing
healthy and we do our part to ensure
every child has the basic daily nutrition
for proper growth and development. We
conducted BMI screenings on a random
sample of students in June and August.
2014 Data—Strength
STRENGTH
Activity
Date
Quantity
Volunteers
In-Kind
Volunteer Value
Nutritious
Snacks
1/1/14—
12/15/14
10,311
NA
NA
Nutritious
Meals
1/1/14—
12/15/14
15,229
NA
NA
Summer
Backpacks of
food
6/1/14—
8/15/14
100
60 @ 1 hour
each
$1353.00
ASU Nursing
Fair
9/29/14
6 educational
stations
30 @ 2 hours
each
$1353.00
BMI Screenings
(pre-test)
June
30
2 @ 8 hours
each
$360.80
BMI Screenings
(post-test)
August
30
2 @ 8 hours
each
$360.80
48
12 @ 8 hours
each
$360.80
Cooking Matters 4 weeks in July
cooking classes
BMI Outcomes: All students screened maintained or reduced their BMI levels.
Other notable projects:
CYM Garden Project. In partnership with 4H and local gardeners, our students
helped construct and plant garden boxes on our property. Throughout the Summer
we tied our Bible curriculum into the growing process and our students used the
vegetables they grew in the Cooking Matters classes.
Students receive a minimum of forty minutes weekly in physical activity year round.
Activities are structured to integrate the annual theme into the curriculum. We have
noticed marked improvement in our outcomes since implementing this project.
When students are engaged, they learn. Then they go home and become the
teacher. This is what we think of when we talk about the “CYM Way”.
About the Data
Beginning in Fall 2014, we partnered with
Northwest Evaluation Association
(NWEA) to provide web-based academic
assessments (Measurements of Academic Progress/MAP) for our students. We
recognized the need to have an internal
evaluation of progress to inform our tutoring and Learning Lab initiatives. The
research-based, computerized assessments helps answer a crucial question:
Are our students learning? By delivering
precise, real-time information about every student’s learning triumphs and challenges, we set students up for success
and give informed direction to our Learning Lab instructors. We are able to pinpoint exactly what skills they have mastered. The tests are aligned to Common
Core and, therefore, help us to complement what the students are learning in
school. The Learning Lab facilitator is a
certified teacher. Students also use
school-based web applications to complete work they started at school. We are
doing our part to improve the expectations for our students so they can excel
in the classroom. Thanks to a local partnership, we received fifteen new computers in 2014 helping us accommodate this
innovative approach to how we use afterschool time for our students. Visit
www.nwea.org for more information.
The information illustrated here is overall
performance. The data is also broken
down more specifically for our instructors
and each child receives an individual
growth goal that he/she will work to
achieve throughout the remainder of the
school year.
2014 Data—Wisdom
Wisdom
Overall Performance Math Fall Testing Cycle 2014
Grade Number of
Students
Tested
Lo
Lo/
Average
Average
High/
Average
High
Number of
Students At
or Above
Norm Grade
1
25
48%
24%
16%
8%
4%
6
2
7
29%
57%
14%
0%
0%
NA*
3
20
50%
20%
25%
5%
0%
4
4
14
64%
0%
14%
21%
0%
4
5
13
54%
23%
15%
8%
0%
2
6
15
53%
13%
27%
7%
0%
2
Overall Performance Reading Fall Testing Cycle 2014
Grade Number of
Students
Tested
Lo
Lo/
Average
Average
High/
Average
High
Number of
Students At
or Above
Norm Grade
1
11
9%
36%
45%
9%
0%
3
2
12
8%
8%
50%
17%
17%
6
3
13
46%
46%
0%
8%
0%
1
4
7
43%
43%
14%
0%
0%
NA*
5
13
46%
23%
23%
8%
0%
3
6
10
70%
20%
10%
0%
0%
0
*Norm data unavailable because sample size is too small.
About the Data
Our mission is to develop Christ followers. We completely restructured our
schedule to be more intentional about
how we accomplish this mission. Our
theme for 2014 was ‘Who I Am’. During
the first part of the year, we explored
individual interests and the things that
make me who I am . During the summer
months, incorporated with our garden
growing season, we discovered more
about the Creator of all things...including
me. Then, for the final part of the year,
we put it all together. We knew who we
thought we were, we knew who God was
and so we explored who am I in God’s
image and who HE made me to be?
We use a tool call the 40 Developmental
Assets Survey* from the Search Institute
(www.search-institute.org) to help determine the types of positive characteristics
that exist within our students so we can
draw out their potential and help them
be the best versions of themselves that
they can be. We have four Social Work
interns from Arkansas State University
that help us with this process and continue working to improve these developmental assets within each child.
Our students attend Bible class and
CityGroups a minimum of twice a week
(more in the summer). CityGroups is a
small group offering designed to provide
a variety of social/emotional intervention
strategies for students while helping
them build stronger peer relationships.
We use this time to reinforce biblical
principles and risk behavior prevention
techniques.
2014 Data—Character
Character
Activity
Date
Quantity
Volunteers
Bible Classes All
Grades (School
Year)
Jan—Dec
551
5
Bible Classes All
Grades (Summer)
Jun—Aug
120
10
CityGroups
Meetings 7 –12
Grades
Jan—Dec
671
5
CityGroups
Meetings 1-6
Grades
Jan - Dec
671
5
40 Developmental
Assets Surveys*
Sep—Dec
187
4
Service Projects
Jun—Aug
3
5
Family Nights
Jan—Dec
4
200+
Commitments to
Christ
Jan—Dec
36
50+
Other notable projects:
CYM’s Got Talent. This summer we hosted our second annual endof-summer talent show. We had the pleasure of watching all of our
effort come together in this showcase. Many of our fringe students
found an encouraging place to explore their talents and receive
positive feedback from their peers. Our goal is to create a safe culture where kids are free to experiment with their interests in a
positive way.
Volunteerism. Dozens of volunteers contributed to the success of
our students in 2014. They logged 2865 hours. According to Independent Sector (https://www.independentsector.org/
volunteer_time), the average rate of a volunteer hour is $18.93.
That totals $54,234.45 of in-kind donation of time by the Jonesboro community!
About the Data
We depend on a variety of sources to
meet our annual budget. In 2014 we
purchased software to help us better
track our revenue and prepare strategies that will ensure sustainable income for our organization. The Board
of Directors spent time reviewing and
restructuring the capacity for growth
over the next five years. Our goal
over the next phase of development
is to diversify our funding structure to
include a broader base of partners
from within and without of the immediate Jonesboro community. We believe the quality of our workforce depends on our ability to improve expectations for our students. This will
require us to leverage multiple
sources in order to achieve the kind
of multiplying affect that will solidify
exemplary standards for every child
we serve.
Specifically, we will seek grant opportunities that further our mission while
pursuing partners that have a passion
for community and workforce development. We have established a Community Church Council to work with
the local community of religious leaders to advance the spiritual development of our students.
Our efforts continue to bring our development processes into the 21st
Century. We are fortunate to have
dedicated individuals and organizations working to advance our mission
in our community.
2014 Data
Funding
Revenue
Expenses
5 Days in 5 Years
Growth Goals
2015– 2020
Too many people to name have contributed to the rich history that has
added up to the success of CityYouth. It
has been our joy to watch countless
young people graduate our program
and become leaders in our community.
We are privileged to be able to serve
kids from a magnificent facility. Our
physical location has so much potential
but we have found that the need greatly outweighs the provision.
Our goal is to provide the highest quality of service to EVERY child. We are
committed to maintaining healthy leader:student ratios to accomplish this
goal. Therefore, we divide our students
into age appropriate groups. This allows us to be more intentional and individualized in our approach. The challenge is that we cannot accommodate
every student every time our doors are
open. Each student currently gets to
come to CityYouth two days a week.
We can do better.
Over the next five years, our board of
directors will be working to improve
our capacity to deliver high-quality out
of school time enrichment education
for all students a minimum of five days
a week for every enrolled child.
2014 marked the largest overhaul to the program structure in
CityYouth history. We began by asking how best to honor the
past while ushering in a newer, more relevant way to promote
positive development for our students. We forged partnerships,
leveraged volunteer time and reorganized service processes like
never before. We improved our technology to help our students
compete in a 21st Century learning environment. We believe God
is blessing our efforts so that we can help as many students as
possible develop a relationship with Him and build a solid foundation for the future. We are continuing to grow and over the
next five years, our board of directors is committed to ensuring
the successful implementation of the following goals.

Enhance programming to complement the school day
and promote positive developmental progress.

Improve awareness about our long-term impact in the
community. $2300 annually per student to participate
in CityYouth vs. $23,000 annually per inmate housed
in Arkansas jail.

Improve current or secure additional facilities to maximize our offerings. Our facilities only allow for two days
per age group currently.

5 days in 5 years. Respond to citywide growth by offering programming for all age groups every weekday during the school year and summer by the year 2020.

Diversify funding sources. Engage multiple community
partners at varying levels to support the work we do.
Implement a broad-based funding initiative.
Resources

According to Independent Sector (https://
www.independentsector.org/volunteer_time), the average rate of
a volunteer hour is $18.93.

To learn more about the 40 Developmental Assets visit
www.search-institute.org

To learn more about NWEA/MAP testing visit www.nwea.org
Corporate, Community and Religious Partners
Altrusa International of Jonesboro AR
Hurricane Elementary Athletic Assoc., Inc.
Arkansas Community Foundation
Jonesboro Advertising & Promotion Commission
Arkansas Department of Human Services
Jonesboro Chamber of Commerce
Art Advertising Labels & Printing
Jonesboro Christian Church
AT&T
Jonesboro Public Library
Bay United Methodist Women
Jonesboro Public Schools
Blake Rogers Insurance Agency, Inc.
Jonesboro Worship Center
Burton Law Firm
Junior Auxiliary of Jonesboro
Camfil Farr Inc.
Living Word Church Of Craighead
Centennial Bank
Medic One
Central Baptist Church
Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard
City Of Jonesboro
Nettleton Baptist Church
Community Fellowship Church
Northwestern College
Cornerstone United Methodist Church
Olivetan Benedictine Sisters, Inc.
Craighead County Community Foundation
Post Foods
Crittenden Co Restaurant LLC
Regions Insurance Inc.
CWC Mechanical LLC
Ritter Communications
East Arkansas Planning and Development
Rotary Club of Jonesboro
Families, Inc.
Southwest Church Of Christ
First Assembly Of God - Stone Street
St. Bernards Healthcare
First Baptist Church - Kitchen Street
St. Paul United Methodist Church
First National Bank
The Kiwanis Club Of Jonesboro, Inc.
First United Methodist Church
Tropical Smoothie Cafe
Gardner Law Firm
United Insurance Agency
Halsey Trasher Harpole LLC
United Way Of Northeast Arkansas
Highland Drive Baptist Church
Verge Church
Hispanic Community Services, Inc.
Woodsprings Pharmacy
CONSULTING
SALES
S2014 Board of Directors
Jamar Andrews—Central Baptist Church Word Campus
Larry Bailey—Central Baptist Church
Sherry Burrow (Secretary)—MBC Holdings
Chris Harrell (Vice President)—Southwest Church of Christ
Linda Harvey—Elegant Party Rentals
Jake Rice—City Water and Light
Brad Snider—Iberiabank
Earlene Smith—Community Volunteer
Lindley Smith (Treasurer)—Southern Bank
Wendell Smith (President)—Families, Inc.
Herman Strickland—Community Volunteer
John Troutt—Troutt Properties
Gene Vance—Vance Construction
Sonja Williams—Community Volunteer
Curtis Wilson—First Baptist Church Kitchen Street
CityYouth Ministries
118 Burke Ave.
Jonesboro, AR 72401
870.932.9398 ph
870.932.7342 fax
www.cityyouthmin.com