Bethel's Summer Youth Employment Project comes to a successful close

Participants in the summer youth employment project at Bethel Baptist Church were (front, l-r) Italia Rankin; Jewette Patterson, administrator; Dr. J. W. Sanders Sr., pastor; Zaria Brown and Dria Rankin; (second row) Brianne Cannon, Michael Reeves and william Smith. Anquasia Johnson was absent when photo was made. Bethel Baptist Church's Summer Youth Employment Project came to a successful close again this year.

This outreach ministry of the church has proved to be a positive force in the lives of many of the church's youths since its inception in 1995. In those 15 years, more than 200 youths, between the ages of 14 and 17 have been counseled and given necessary instructions in the techniques of applying for jobs and the need to perform their jobs in excellent fashion.

Many businesses and agencies provided job experiences and training for the youths. The church has paid them the minimum wage out of its budget, in order for them to earn money to buy clothing and school supplies. More than $75,9000 has been paid out in the 15-year period to these youths.

This unique outreach ministry serves to reward the youths and teach them to earn funds so that they can be productive citizens and not become part of a welfare government hand-out.

Participants worked during the summer for six weeks, four hours per day. One of the results of this effort is that during the entire time that the program has been active, only two have had to be terminated. Jewette Patterson, administrator of the program, cites this as an outstanding achievement on the part of the youths. Dr. J.W. Sanders Sr., Bethel pastor, says he is also grateful for a job welldone.