Expressions from mentors who have served in Christian Life Skills-
“Mentoring helps bring out these problems that children face, before the turn their feelings into action which, most of the time are bad.”
“You’re never too old to learn. I learned a lot from the kids… and it was rewarding to know that you are teaching a child biblical principles.”
Expression from Parent involved in Christian Life Skills-
“Christian Life Skills was a great help when I needed help as a single parent.”
Leaders
Expressions from Community Leaders-
“CLS …met or exceeded target outcomes in working with high risk youth and their families.”- Allegheny County Department of Human Services
“Award for Excellence in Faith-Based Mentoring” — Mentoring Partnership of Southwestern Pennsylvania
CLS “…a well managed community asset, serving unmet needs among underserved disenfranchised populations.”-Program to Aid Citizen Enterprise (PACE)
Ted Jones, Board Chairman Emeritus, gave the following testimony regarding his long term experience with Christian Life Skills-
The Early Years-
“I have been a part of Christian Life Skills for most of its 25 year history, starting in the late eighties. We were blessed with modest funds and did not waiver from our commitment to honor Jesus as Lord in all our training and counseling. He helps us succeed in life. This is the heart of the ministry where I have functioned in several capacities (board member, board secretary, and twice as board chair). God blessed us with skilled people performing the work God gave us. We had ministers, teachers, counselors, attorneys, engineers, administrators and other workers, available on a part time basis. We all gave financially to the ministry as did so many others that believed in what we were doing. I especially thank those givers that helped us during our early years. Many of you have stayed with us through the life of the ministry.”
Where We Are Now:
“We have determined that our ministry is needed far beyond our immediate area. Service to a wider population with a stronger curriculum for independent use by other ministries is our goal. We ask you to help us with the funding of this project. Many have tried to provide life skills for those in need, but none are as comprehensive and spiritually based as the CLS program. I would like to thank our many friends for their prayers, work in the ministry, and financial support. The ministry is successful because you partnered with us to help those in need.”
Participants
Reflections of Christian Life Skills Participants-
“It really helped me out in living my life as a teenager”
“Chrisitan Life Skills taught me a lot about life and having a relationship with God.”
“Christian Life Skills helped me improve my concentration skills.”
“I like knowing that they take time out to spend more time with you.”
“Christian Life Skills helped me keep my cool.”
“I was lucky to be a part of Christian Life Skills. It made my teen years fun, and I learned so much from it. One of the things I really appreciated was knowing there were peers who were trying to live their lives the way I was trying to live mine. They were friends who encouraged me to put God first in my life. We were all trying to do that.”
“I am trying every day to apply the lessons from PAEP (Positive Alternative Entrepreneurial Program) and CLS to daily life.”
“Christian Life Skills was a good experience. It helped me a lot. It helped me to do positive things with my life rather than being out in the street doing negative things.”