Passion SoCal

Passion SoCal | Los Angeles, CA
Initiative: Faith-based life skills training for at-risk teens
2024 Grant: $20,000 & Mentoring

Bringing Life Skills and the Love of Jesus to Los Angeles Youth

Gang activity and drug deals were part of everyday life in Pastor Bobby Lopez’s upbringing. In his Los Angeles neighborhood, he learned more about how to sell drugs than how to complete basic tasks like putting on deodorant or combing his hair.

This is the reality for many young people in the communities around Pastor Bobby’s church. Many teens in their area are active gang members who witness drug overdoses and even murders. An anonymous survey led by Passion SoCal showed that 100% of the girls in the group had experienced sexual abuse in their past or were currently experiencing it at that time.

“Everything we do is relationship based,” said Pastor Bobby. “You have to build relationships because relationships build trust.”

Through their relationships with local schools, the team kept hearing that many students lacked social and emotional skills. Kids would get into fights over disagreements like choosing seats in the classroom.

Passion SoCal Network addressed this critical need for holistic support among vulnerable youth by creating a Life Skills Training program for low-income and at-risk teens. They established connections with area schools to share this program that teaches them life skills, social and emotional health, and the love of Jesus Christ.

Through the Kingdom Advancing Grant, Passion SoCal Network received $20,000 to expand the licensing for their curriculum to reach more youth, purchase more supplies for interactive lessons, and provide food for kids in their classes.

Christian leaders of color who grew up in the area teach the lessons to students in both English and Spanish. Some topics they cover include regulating emotions, how to avoid toxic relationships, and how to engage in their education. What starts with tutoring and life skills leads to deeper connections with these kids, which helps them see Passion SoCal as a safe space where they can heal through the love of Jesus.

“It’s an innovative way to get kids in, plugged into local Christian community, and develop them into leaders,” said Byron Apen, executive team leader for Passion SoCal.

This ministry started by addressing a basic need in the community—emotional health—and has grown to reach hundreds of kids and their families.

https://www.passionsocal.com/

The Kingdom Advancing Grant supports innovative church programs and initiatives that are unique in the way they bring people closer to Jesus, that can be sustained over time, and that can be replicated by other Christian churches. Learn more about the Kingdom Advancing Grant and the Brotherhood Mutual Foundation, including the application deadline and eligibility requirements.