Every Thursday, when Central High School and Talmadge Middle School classes conclude, around fifty teens arrive at Thursdays @ The Gate eager to unwind from the school day.

Thursdays @ The Gate, a recreational component of the Central High School After School Program, is a safe space where students can interact with caring adults, play games, enjoy snacks, cook, craft, and all are invited to stay for dinner.

Most Thursdays when school gets out, siblings Daniel, Mario, and Joanna Munoz (pictured) all find their way to Thursdays @ The Gate.

“When we step in the door we feel accepted for who we are, safe and loved. The Gate is like another home to us.”

Daniel, a 7th grader at Talmadge Middle School, comes to use technology, play “socks” (a form of dodgeball), and enjoy the food and friends.

Mario, a Freshman at CHS, loves stir fry nights and en-joys taking some home to share with his dad. He likes getting the chance to use his leadership skills, as well

as, challenging friends and college mentors to games of Monopoly, Connect Four or Uno.

Joanna, a Senior at CHS, attends because, in her words: “I feel safe and at peace with myself because I am accepted for whom I am. Just this past week I got to spend a couple of hours talking with college students while playing basketball and indoor games. This was very positive and helpful for me because they both listen and help me through high school life challenges and give me insights for my future.”

Joanna continues: “Last week other Gate leaders stayed late with me to fill out a scholarship form. The Gate provides added help and opportunities for me in addition to what I get at school and home. I need all this to be successful and move forward in life.”

The youth of our community need a safe space after school where they can unwind, ask their questions and receive guidance for both their present and their future. Because of your generosity and faithful prayers, Daniel, Mario, and Joanna are becoming known, encouraged, and encountering Christ’s love at The Gate Youth Association. Thank you for your support!

March 2017

PO Box 453 Independence OR 97351 • 503-837-1243 • www.TheGateYouth.org

Hope for the Future

“WHEN WE STEP IN

THE DOOR WE FEEL ACCEPTED FOR WHO WE ARE, SAFE AND LOVED.

THE GATE IS LIKE ANOTHER HOME TO US.

”

The PresidenT’sThoughTs

Volunteer Spotlight: Gary Strait

When did you begin volunteering for Thursdays @ The Gate?

Three years ago, Joyce Wahl asked me to consider volunteering for Thursdays @ The Gate.I had heard The Gate needed help, and believed it was an important form of outreach. When I was in high school there was not a program like this, and after school you were basically on your own. I saw volunteering as a great opportunity to give back.

Why is volunteering for Thursdays @ The Gate a good fit for you?

Serving behind the scenes is best for me. I also really liketo cook.

What do you enjoy most about volunteering?

I really enjoy interacting with the other volunteers, the staff and the kids. This a great ministry opportunity and a great way to live out your faith. If you think of it as a

ministry it helps you to keep coming back and serving.

What have you noticed about the students who come to Thursdays @ The Gate?

It’s a very diverse group of students that come every week to Thursdays @ The Gate. In spite of their differences they all get along really well. This gives me a lot of hope for the future. The kids are really happy to come, they feel comfortable being themselves and they often bring their friends because it’s a great place to be.

What would you say to someone who might be interested in volunteering for Thursdays @ The Gate?

If someone is interested in volunteering on Thursdays, I would highly recommend they come and check it out. It is helpful to see the kids, the ac-tivities and get a sense of what Thursdays look like. Volunteering for Thursdays @ The Gate is a great way to share the love of Christ with others and kids need caring adults in order to be successful in life.

As I read through the articles for this issue of our newsletter I was struck by a similar observation by both Gary and Joanna. In referring to her interaction with some of the college staffers from The Gate, Joanna said “they give me insights for my future.” In his comment about the diverse student group getting along well, Gary said “This gives me hope for the future.” Amidst all the tur-moil in today’s news reports it is nice to see that, at least at The Gate, we have kids and staff that are looking forward to the future. I sincerely hope that attitude is partially the result of “a place where kids (and staff) can be known, encouraged and encounter the love of Christ.”

We hope you will consider joining us at The Gate Garden Party on Friday, April 7th. It will be great night to celebrate what God has done through The Gate over the past year, hear about what is happening every week at The Gate, and be inspired to invest in a ministry that is impacting the youth of our community.

GARDEN PARTYFriday, April 7

Green Villa BarnDoors open at 6:00pm

Program begins at 6:30pm

RSVP with Kyle: 503-422-8578 or

kyled@thegateyouth.org.

Sponsored by