There was no “maybe” with the Mabie Family’s decision to assist En-Gedi, a Cedar Springs non-profit, Christ-centered, youth organization, with help opening its doors. After reading the recent newspaper article, June, Don, Chris, and Tim Mabie met with Interim Youth Center Director and Pastor Tom Holloway to present a significant cash contribution to En-Gedi, providing the much-needed funds to open the youth center. The Mabies, long time local business owners, educators, community activists, and philanthropists, wanted to offer support to what they believe is a much needed Cedar Springs program and facility.
“We believe it is important to provide our area young people with a safe and fun place to hang out,” explained Tim Mabie. “Our family hopes these funds will be of assistance to En-Gedi in their pursuit of providing our young people with encouragement to make positive life choices.”
With the funds received from the Mabie Family, along with material, financial, or labor donations from local business and community members, En-Gedi was able to furnish and decorate the youth center this past summer and begin some part-time hours. The youth center is located in Room 20 of Cedar Springs Red Hawk Elementary School. There is a pool table, ping-pong table, flat screen television with an assortment of video games, sound system, coffee and snack bar, and various board games for students. The free youth center is now open Mondays thru Thursday from 2:30-5:00 p.m. with access to the library for homework, computers, and art class. The contemporary design of the youth center offers a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere for all middle and high school students. Holloway recently reported to the En-Gedi Board approximately 20-30 students are regularly engaging at the En-Gedi Youth Center.
En-Gedi hosted two successful Red Flannel Weekend special events. The Kent Theatre provided the stage for a Christian rock band concert on Friday night. Then, on Saturday night following the Powder Puff game, En-Gedi presented the movie titled Facing the Giants in the high school auditorium. Approximately 100 students and a few adults attended the Saturday’s event, which included free popcorn while you watched the movie. The next big special event is slanted for Friday, October 15 immediately following the Home Coming Football Game, which will include a dodge ball tournament in the high school gym. En-Gedi is hoping for a repeat of previous dodge ball tournaments with attendance of a few hundred high school students.
“We are seeing many local business people and community members wanting to get involved so we, as a community, can make a positive difference in the lives of our young people,” explains Holloway. “The En-Gedi Board is extremely grateful for the Mabie’s generous donation along with all the other donations we have recently received. I am hopeful these gifts will be a kick-off for En-Gedi and encourage others to jump onboard with financial support in the operation of the En-Gedi Youth Center.”
Adult and high school volunteers are greatly needed for supervision in the gym, homework center, and youth center. Mentors and tutors are also needed. “Please consider volunteering at the Youth Center for an hour or two each week. I think you will meet some really great kids and enjoy your time there,” commented Marilyn Magnuson, Volunteer Coordinator for the Youth Center. “You can just spend time with kids at the Center, mentor or tutor them on a more personal level, or share a favorite hobby or talent during a time of service that is convenient for you.”
The youth center will close if school is closed. Watch for information about the Grand Opening of the Youth Center and other special events. For more information on En-Gedi visit the website of www.En-GediYouthCenter.com , e-mail EnGediYouthCenter@gmail.com, Facebook, or call 696-1204 extension 1920.
