The Divine Mercy Ministry is re-energizing the previous Salesian Center and allowing urban youth to have safe and wholesome options for after-school care through the Columbus Youth and Family Center. The facilities are marvelous and the opportunity for volunteer efforts are limitless. Come and take a look!
I have watched Divine Mercy Ministry grow over the past six years from two rental homes to a major inner city resource. The faces of children who learn, create, and burn off adrenaline in DMM programs are alight with discovery. And they aren't even aware that they are learning and enjoying in a safe environment that is committed to imparting moral values as well as fun activities.
DMM continues to expand its urban ministry, by growing its Columbus Youth an Family Center program. College Bound will house its outreach program in DMM's gym facilities, and a catering firm is taking over the commercial kitchen to provide vocational training and career opportunities for unemployed and marginally employed clients. The gymnasium, bowling alley, swimming pool, and racquetball/handball courts allow DMM to offer either integrated or complementary programs for schools, community centers, latchkey programs, and similar institutions. The synergy generated by a variety of nonprofit organizations makes the Divine Mercy Center an increasingly attractive headquarters for other groups.
Volunteer Work Days are scheduled for each Saturday in April from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM to make needed repairs to the Center, and plans are under way for an alumni reunion of Salesian Boys and Girls Club members who formerly used the Center.
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Divine Mercy Ministry (DMM) began as a rehabilitation program for women recently released from incarceration. That ministry, Women of Excellence, continues to provide training, counseling, direction, and life skills under the direction of Pastor Leanne Parden. DMM was blessed by the Salesian Society, a religious order which formerly operated the Salesian Center Boys and Girls Clubs, with the use of its multipurpose building in downtown Columbus, Ohio. With this resource available, DMM has expanded its ministry to embrace the Women of Excellence program, two resident church congregations, and a variety of extra-curricular and after-school youth programs. It now functions as an incubator for a broad spectrum of personal and community service programs which are housed and nurtured in the renamed Columbus Youth and Family Center. DMM welcomes other charitable organizations whose programs complement its outreach, so that the synergies of the CY&FC family can continue to grow.
Review from Guidestar