Think about this...

While your 11 year-old is getting excited about her first vacation to the beach or his trip to Six Flags, another child elsewhere in our city is trying marijuana for the first time.

While you are fixing dinner, think about the more than 4,500 children whose mom is in jail... and can't fix dinner for them.

While you and your child share a drink from Sonic, not too far away, a 12-year-old girl is involved in sexual activity and will become pregnant before the summer is over.

As you sit down to watch an old Disney movie with your 10 year-old, another child is sitting in jail thinking about what he stole and how long he will be incarcerated.

When your child sits down to a meal, puts on his clothes, or plays with her toys, think about the more than 40,000 other children in Oklahoma City who live in poverty.

While you and your child are enjoying shopping at the mall, another 10 year old is joining a local gang.

In another part of town (or maybe even closer than you think) it's a very different world for those children who aren't your children...

Someday, these children who aren't yours will grow up. Many will never have realized their full potential or become a contributing, productive member of society. Some will be in jail, on welfare, at the City Rescue Mission, on the run, or even dead. Others will break the cycle of desperation, destruction, and devastation. But most will not break the cycle of poor choices and self-destructive behavior without intervention. Familial, societal, and cultural trends are influencing our children and our communities. We must counteract the trends that are contrary to Biblical principles and devastating to the lives they affect. These inner-city children need someone who will introduce them to Jesus Christ - the One who really changes lives. They need someone who will stick around and show them, teach them what it means to lead a changed life and follow God. The involvement of a loving, caring mentor who will challenge, encourage, and motivate them to lead a changed life can make all the difference in the world. You can get involved today. You can give. You can pray. You can volunteer. YOU can make a difference.

Ask yourself, what will you do this summer to make a difference for the children who aren't your children?

Appreciation Reception Slideshow 2010

Appreciation Reception Slideshow... from Novo Ministries on Vimeo.

Support From Within Our Community

Novo Ministries appreciates the support and partnership of many individuals, schools, apartments, churches, and other community entities in the greater Oklahoma City area. We are excited about the difference that our collaborative efforts can have on inner-city communities. Lee Roland has been a partner and supporter of this organization for many years. Lee is the principal of Tulakes Elementary - one of our largest program sites. The enrollment at Tulakes is more than 160 children in our weekly program. Lee not only supports Novo Ministries through his partnership as Principal of Tulakes, but he also is currently serving as the chairman of the Novo Ministries' Board of Directors. We are grateful for his role as principal as well as board chairman. Thank you, Lee, for your vital support and dedicated leadership!

A few weeks ago Principal Roland shared some of his thoughts about the impact of our organization:

“As both a principal of a local elementary school and the chairman of the Novo Ministries Board of Directors, I want to strongly encourage you to consider supporting this fine organization. Novo Ministries is a local, non-profit organization committed to making a difference in the lives of inner-city boys and girls. Our mission is accomplished through connecting caring, passionate individuals with at-risk, under-served children through weekly after-school programs. I have known and worked with Valerie Sherrer, Founder, for more than 11 years. She is [an] amazing young lady who has demonstrated a willingness to do whatever it takes to impact these needy children. She and her husband are both dedicated to mobilizing like-minded individuals to provide healthy, positive role models and much needed mentoring. Weekly, a Novo Ministries’ team comes to my school, Tulakes Elementary, and leads an after-school program. Frequently, more than 100 children are in attendance. Many of the children who come to this program have challenges in their life and home including everything from sibling gang involvement, substance abuse, academic struggles, criminal activity, poor housing options, teen pregnancy, to incarcerated parents and more. As a principal, I am always looking for programs that will promote healthy behavior, positive character development, and good life choices. Novo Ministries gives these children the opportunity to interact with adults who love them and will mentor them to success in life …”

Impacting the hearts and lives of inner-city children, promoting real life-change, and encouraging positive character development are key elements in the focus of our organization and its programming. We are grateful for the support of Lee Roland and others from our community which make it possible for us to accomplish our mission!