Over the Summer of 2014 I had the privilege to be a part of Cincinnati Urban Promise and it was worth every second that I spent there. It was my first time having one-on-one interactions with children and it made me learn so much about myself and the kids that I spent my time with. Many of these kids don't have the greatest circumstances growing up so for me to have the opportunity to work with these kids and share the story of Jesus with them was truly rewarding and humbling. I met so many wonderful people while volunteering at Cincinnati Urban Promise and what made this "job" different from anything else was that we were all working together and shared a common goal; to spread the story of the Bible and the life of Jesus. The world needs more places like Cincinnati Urban Promise and I am humbled to have a role at such a wonderful safe haven for underprivileged children.
I had the pleasure of meeting Joni and hearing her passion about Cincinnati Urban Promise. I am so thankful for people like this that are making a difference in the lives of young people. The world needs more places and people like this to help bring safety and guidance to children and youth that may otherwise not have that option in life. This year we are joining in with them to deliver food baskets to those who are less fortunate and would not have a Christmas dinner. I love that Cincinnati Urban Promise makes not differences in people according to race or religion, we are all created by God and all deserve to be loved. They have captured the true since of passion for others with their groups, meals and outreach. God bless them for all the hard work and following Gods call.
A few months ago I had the pleasure of taking a group of college students to Cincinnati Urban Promise to do some mission and service work. It was an amazing experience for myself and the students. We were able to see the community in a whole new way through the love and passion that the folks at CUP exhibit for the community. We listened as they outlined their story, mission, and love for those they serve, and introduced us to ways we could connect with the community. We learned so many things, and were truly honored to serve with them. We look forward to partnering with them in many ways in the future. They have an immense love for the people of the community and are doing amazing things.
CUP is definitely an amazing organization that brings non-believers to Christ! I have been on 2 mission trips with this organization and I just loved them! It had a huge impact on my life and I see things a lot differently thanks to CUP. I interacted with lots of people and made lots of friendships and got to be apart of something truly amazing. Both times were great an I would love to go back again! The way Abe and Joni handle everything is just amazing and God is definitely working in them. How they help Gods people is just beautiful.
This non profit ministry is doing an awesome job in caring for the holistic needs of these urban children. They are loving, caring, and compassionate. Any type of support on their behalf would be greatly appreciated in this labor of love and great need!
CUP is an organization that my church has partnered with over the last few years and I must say that we have experienced great benefits from joining the passion that they have for others. They put themselves on the streets and meet the people where they are. Their hearts and attitudes are what draws others to what they do.
The help they give to children who would otherwise be at risk is priceless. We at Countryside Church of the Nazarene are proud to be a partner in their cause to make the world a better place for all.
CUP is a young non-profit that has done so much for the people in Northside Cincinnati Community. Life changing helps are not instant but a constant moving forward toward goals that can help individuals to get out of the poverty/mental or physical distress/drug or alcohol or life road blocks that have them bound and they need help to overcome. Therefor CUP is a needed lighthouse to help show people there is help for them. It seems that so many have so much in the USA that it is hard to believe that there can be someone that could be hungry, cold or helpless just within your reach to change their circumstances. There is so much more that could be done if just a few more could see that if not for whatever reason it could be them stuck in the muck of life. Going to CUP is way out of this old woman's comfort zone let me tell you. The first time shots were fired on the street while I was there, I thought it was firecrackers!!! The children raising children is a big issue to me. Every moment you have with someone has to be a time of giving of yourself. CUP is that help system for so many. Food for the hungry of course but more nourishment to the soul that will lead to the change in action and direction toward a positive healthy life style. We have seen so many lives impacted in just the few short years since the beginning of CUP. Having taught one young man to read Joni was Thanked by him just recently and he said "You saved my Life!" I hope many more will get on board and volunteer to help meet the needs for the work to grow and be a service to many more in the community. It is hard to put in just a few sentences the wonderful work that this non-profit does for people in Cincinnati and those who get to do a hands on community service visit. Maybe you can just come and give a part of your self in the near future?
CUP has given me far more than I could give myself. By mentoring with this great ministry I have been able to remind myself that we can make ourselves whole again just by giving of ourselves. Being able to spend time with young ladies who truly need and want to spend time with me but really want to hear what I have to say puts a lot of pressure on me to try to be perfect but what God wants me to know is the best leaders are ones that are open, honest, and real. My life can help change these ladies lives. This ministry truly CARES about what the community needs. Through ups and downs of the community still they remain strong and get stronger.
I'm privileged to be on the board of this ministry and volunteer with Cincinnati Urban Promise. CUP is an inner city ministry that is build around love, acceptance, new beginnings and hope. Love for all people. Centered in one of the poorer areas of Cincinnati, this compassionate ministry/non profit is focusing on breaking cycles of poverty. Breaking ties with welfare and enabling families and single parents to help their children have a new beginning. The passion of the people who serve is unbridled. Area churches and community members come together to provide summer youth camps during the summer, mentoring of children during the school year. Warm meals and a jobs program for those who need to develop skills to help them break long lived patterns.
I went to CUP thinking I was going to "help those less fortunate" than myself. I received more than I could ever give. The founders are truly angels! I left there with great memories. I keep a special place in my heart for every one of the kids and they are part of my daily prayer.
The program at CUP is well versed in the poverty cycle and how to educate those who are in the cycle currently. They do not simply give away items such as food and clothing. They teach the people to stand on their own and be respobsible for their actions. The staff at CUP do this in a caring mannor with the love of GOD. These people are truly amazing fighting the battle against evil in the world everyday and not giving up. The world needs more programs like this one. I would encourage anyone to take the time to volunteer to help this group out because they are on the path to helping their community be a better place to live and raise their children.
I spent 6 months here, gettin to know the people, the culture, and myself. It changed my life extremely and for the better. I would not be the man I am if it were not for CUP. They strive to help the over looked. With a heart for everyone and anyone who needs help. The potential is off the charts.
God has really moved the heart of the founder/director towards helping those trap in multi-generational poverty break the cycle. Getting to know both the founder and the people being served, it is amazing the relationship that has developed, and the partnership formed in order to make a difference.
I have enjoyed being a part of the ministry, learning about the many ways it has impacted the people in the community it serves, hearing about the impact directly from some of the people, and getting the chance to observe some of the impact first hand.
And not only are the people within the community feeling the impact, but I've had the opportunity to witness how the volunteers, and other helpers of the organization, have their own lives change by getting involved. Even spending one day as a volunteer has eye-opening opportunity to learn about poverty in urban America, and what little it takes to help.