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Giving Support Locally: Read about Ohio United Presbyterian Church’s support

Ohio United Presbyterian (OUP) church is an avid supporter of Aliquippa Impact (AI). Many in the congregation of this church even support AI individually. Ohio United Presbyterian’s mission states, “We believe that Jesus has called us to use all the means and resources available to us, to invite all who have not yet believed into God's ongoing celebration. He has called us to invite believers into a deeper more joyful relationship with Christ.”

OUP also has a special focus on community involvement. Bev Abate, who holds a number of roles in the church, works with the missions department and was able to give some insight as to why OUP supports AI. “We (the church) felt that we lacked participation in our own community. AI is a Christian based organization with direct impact locally and it seemed a perfect fit,” she said.

Abate also explained that the majority of OUP’s congregation are the elderly; that being said they find it important to invest in the younger generation. Abate, herself, serves as a mentor at AI. “So many children have mentioned to me that they are waiting anxiously for their mentor to be assigned. [This shows] an overwhelming desire in the community for direction and improvement,” she said.

One of the most important factors for OUP is investing locally. AI is a local option for OUP that gives the community direction while pointing people towards Christ.

A Changed View: Read Pamela Rossi-Keen’s reasons for supporting Aliquippa Impact (AI)

Pamela Rossi-Keen began supporting Aliquippa Impact (AI) due to her brother’s, Steve Rossi, involvement. “It seemed to me like a good idea and a decent thing to do, but I soon began to realize, through this second-hand experience, that this was more than a do-gooder kind of initiative,” she said.

The longer Rossi-Keen has been involved with AI the more her view has changed. “The more I knew about the ministry, the more I realized that this fits well with my understanding of the slow, loving, empowering way Jesus worked while he was on earth and the way he still works,” she said.

In addition Rossi-Keen explained how she now views AI and what she appreciates in their ministry. “Aliquippa Impact is about entering into the struggles of people and being a part of their lives,” she said. AI strives to help people “understand their dignity and seeking, through mentorships and cohorts and summer camps, to get youth to dream and execute dreams worthy of their dignity,” she added.

When asked what her favorite aspect of AI is, Rossi-Keen was unable to identify one trait. Instead she said, “I love the cohort initiative because I love the idea of setting goals and building friendships with older kids who are nearing times of decision in their lives. I love the summer camps because it is an outreach to the whole community as AI staff loves their kids. I love the mentoring because deep bonds are forged in one-on-one relationships.”

Dr. Rossi-Keen and her husband, Daniel, support AI in a number of ways; one way is by teaching classes for AI’s summer camp staff. This summer will be their third year teaching; she will be teaching an art class, as well as a whole foods nutrition class. Her hope when teaching is that she will continually challenge the staff’s views on faith, community, ministry, and theology.

Working for Aliquippa Impact (AI): Read why Traci Johnsen decided to work with AI

“I have a heart for kids and want every child to have the opportunity for an abundant life,” said Johnsen. This is a vision that runs parallel to Aliquippa Impact (AI). Her vision runs deep, making her a perfect fit to the staff at AI.

“Christ came so that we may have abundant life,” explained Johnsen. Abundant life is what she hopes the children within AI’s ministry will find. “A life full of hope where they can dream and achieve those dreams without being held down by obstacles,” she said. “AI provides the tools to help the kids succeed. Not just life skills but spiritual and relational tools as well.”

Johnsen became familiar with AI due to her attendance at Crestmont Alliance Church where Joel Repic, founder of AI, is a co-pastor. She explained that she saw exciting things happening at AI and wanted to become a part of the ministry. For Johnsen it all lines up, “I love the hearts and vision and of the AI leaders along with the relational and spiritual aspects of the organization.”

Johnsen’s role at AI is providing web and communication support. When asked about her favorite aspect of this position she replied, “Using my ability and skills to meet a need; to free others to focus on their gifts and talents.”

Aside from providing web and communication support, Johnson also mentors at AI. She has been a mentor for four years. Johnsen explained that in those four years she has seen a lot, “I see the kids growing and maturing, making good decisions. I see the dedication and love of the staff for the kids, families and community of Aliquippa.” She sees God working.

A Love for God and Nature: Read about the Partnership between Aliquippa Impact (AI) and Onramps and Outposts (O2)

“Comfort and enjoyment of the outdoors is something that used to be handed down from one generation to the next, but not so much anymore,” said Jim Skal. Skal is the director of outdoor immersion; a particular program at Onramps and Outposts.

Onramps and Outposts is an outdoor exploration group that focuses on connecting the outdoors to one’s relationship with God. Their mission statement operates on what they call the three R’s. The vision plays out this way: “to see men and families Restored to God, Reconciled to each other, and Reconnected to creation.”

“I have a passion for God's creation and very much enjoy being in it,” said Skal. He believes the outdoors provide a learning opportunity that enhances spiritual life. Skal explained his calling saying, “I felt that God was calling me to do creation ministry with youth, especially since they are becoming more and more disconnected from creation as the years go by.”

This call to do creation ministry with youth led Onramps and Outposts to partner with Aliquippa Impact (AI). Skal explained that those living in Aliquippa do not have a normalcy of comfort and comfortable living situations let alone the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors. “I seek to overcome those fears, to change perceptions and to create not only comfort, but desire to enjoy God's creation,” he said.

AI is indeed making a difference, giving youth a hope and future said Skal. O2 hopes to aid this difference by changing the way the average person in Aliquippa thinks about the outdoors. Skal hopes that they will “become familiar and comfortable in it (the outdoors) and thereby, more appreciative and closer to the Creator who has provided it for them.”

7 Years & No Complaints: Read why Marcus (not his real name) loves being involved with Aliquippa Impact (AI)

Marcus (not his real name) has been involved with Aliquippa Impact (AI) ministries for seven years and has enjoyed every minute of it.

He began his experience with AI around eleven years of age and explained that this ministry has made a huge impact of his life. Marcus participated in AI’s summer camp and is currently involved in a mentoring group with three adult leaders and eight boys.

“They (the leaders) were always there for me growing up, whenever I need them,” he said. Marcus explained that all three of his group leaders are role models in his life.

The focus of the mentoring group is set on team building activities, games and really getting to know each other. “I really like working on building relationships,” said Marcus.

When I asked Marcus his favorite activities in his experience with AI he said, “Recreational time and Bible study.” Pressing the question further, Marcus explained that AI is where he first learned about the Bible. Since that time Marcus stated that he has come to know Christ as his personal Savior and now attends church regularly.

Marcus, sixteen, aspires to go to college where he can study sports management. This is yet another area in which Marcus explained that his mentors are helping him. Marcus story showed AI’s impact on all areas of his life; from his first encounter with the Bible to beginning his college search.

Matthew 5:14-16 says, “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”