There is no doubt that many troubled youngsters are living in
Gilroy. Indicators like gang affiliation, high school dropout
rates, poverty and teen pregnancy point to a serious problem. But
many institutions are working for change.
There is no doubt that many troubled youngsters are living in Gilroy. Indicators like gang affiliation, high school dropout rates, poverty and teen pregnancy point to a serious problem. But many institutions are working for change.
A good example is Bethany Community Church. Founded by the Rev. Gerald E. Harris in 1992, the small congregation began meeting in a conference room at the Forest Park Inn. Today membership has grown to nearly 100, drawn from communities as far away as Oakland, Modesto and Salinas.
For two years the church has been planning an “urban ministry” that would positively impact the South Valley community. Relying on its own resources, financial help from the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the Kohl’s Foundation, plus contributions raised at the annual Martin Luther King Prayer Breakfast it sponsors, the congregation has launched an ambitious venture: the Bethany Youth Empowerment Center. Classes are held on the second floor of the church facility located at 7449 Eigleberry St. The brightly-decorated rooms feature inspirational photos of Dr. King and Cesar Chavez along with posters showing participants who took part in previous programs. Students have the following facilities available to them:
– Meeting rooms
– Kitchen
– Restrooms
– Doll room
– Lego room
– Computer Lab
Elvira Robinson, an attorney with 34 years of experience working in South Valley, is coordinator of the Center. She has used her extensive community contacts to recruit an amazing number of volunteer instructors who share her belief in the importance of providing activities that keep children out of trouble and help older youth and adults prepare for the job market.
Last spring the following opportunities were launched, free of charge to participants:
– Homework help, tutoring and computer lab time
– Bulldog boxing
– Folklorico dancing
– Computer instruction, health and nutrition, and electrician training for adults.
By summer they were able to add such courses as these:
– Fundamentals of music
– Prevention of domestic violence
– Juveniles and the law
– Resume-writing
– Art: watercolor and mask making
– Poetry
– Sign language
In addition, there have been a series of Saturday events featuring crafts, games and snacks, each with a different theme. For instance, Jan. 18 was “I Have a Dream” with a movie about Dr. King, plus popcorn and an ice cream social.
“For its whole history Bethany’s goal has been to make the community better,” said Senior Pastor Harris. “This ministry is open to everyone at no charge, and there is no proselytizing, just a wish to serve.”
The center’s new schedule should be available later in February. Call (831) 801-5530 for more information. People who would like to volunteer to teach a class or help in other ways can call the same number. Tax-deductible donations can be sent to Youth Empowerment Center, P.O. Box 1693, Gilroy.
Bethany Community Church is a member of the Church of God in Christ denomination, whose headquarters are in Memphis, Tenn. Founded in 1897 in Little Rock, Ark., its membership is estimated at 5.2 million, with congregations “throughout the United States, on every continent and on many islands of the sea.” Historically an African American organization, it now includes members of every ethnic group.
Sunday worship services are held at 8:45 a.m., 10:30 a.m. (Sunday School for all ages) and 1 p.m. Wednesday Bible Study is at 7 p.m. For 13 years, Pastor Harris, a retired California State Prison warden, has also offered a Bible study at San Jose State University, and there is now a morning worship service held Sundays in Los Banos. For more information, call (408) 842-9445.
