Building assets in children is not a project or program. It is a journey that should take place during the developmental years (ages 0-20) of all children.

Christian Network for Youth

In September of 2006, Dr. John Perkins came to Fort Wayne for a series of meetings at Taylor University and Southern Heights Baptist Church. During his visit, a group came together and started sharing ideas with each other, stemming from Dr. Perkins comment about community development, community-chuch partnership and developing churches as centers and anchors of the community. From that group, the Christian Network for Youth was born. CNY's vision statement is:

To enhance and multiply Christ-centered community outreach programs focusing on the need of youth in the city. Love God first, and learn from Him how to love the children. Train qualified mentor-tutors and family follow-up specialists. Care about children's spiritual and physical conditions, not just their academic progress.

The Christian Network for Youth focuses specifically on youth and families in the Southeast Quadrant of Fort Wayne, but every member has a passion for all children and families. Rather than forming its own youth and family serving agency, the Christian Network for Youth is designed to be open to all agencies in line with its vision serving in the Southeast Quadrant. The group is meant to encourage information exchange and resource sharing across agencies, to help facilitate an atmosphere of cooperation among agencies to ultimately better serve youth. This spirit of non-competition allows for the Christian Network for Youth to see areas of service duplication along with service gaps. The CNY seeks to eliminate those gaps in the chain of caring through its cooperative network. Members of the group often help each other, gain perspective from networking, and share resources and ideas. The following questions are constantly evaluated at CNY meetings: "How do we help the chidlren and Youth? What are the needs? Is anyone already meeting those needs? Are there any gaps in needed care? How can we help make sure there are no breaks in the chain of covering the needs?"

Agencies currently included in the Christian Network for Youth:

Great KIDS make Great COMMUNITIES

City of Fort Wayne Mayor's Office

City Shalom

Child Evangelism Fellowship

Euell Wilson Center

First Missionary Church

A Hope Center

Masterworks Foundation

Prison Fellowship

Southern Heights Baptist Church

Southside Opportunity Services