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The Lion`s Den Youth Outreach Center
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The Lion`s Den is a "MASH" unit, set up to meet the needs of the 85%-ersthose who would never walk into a church by themselves. And their needs are great In a renovated building in Indian Orchard, the volunteer staff hosts teens throughout the Springfield region, giving them a safe place to hang out, eat, play pool, and talk. The teens know that this place is different, that someone cares. Donate food and financial support, pray, and volunteer at The Lion`s Den today! |
Address: Indian Orchard, MA, 01151
Click here to see the full address
Website: The Lion`s Den Youth Outreach | | Phone Number |
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The Lion`s Den Youth Outreach Center In 2000, the Evangelical Covenant Church of Indian Orchard made the faith-filled decision to call a full-time youth pastor. This position would consist of half-time outreach to the teen community of the area. The goal was to reach the 85% of youth who would never walk into a church or traditional youth program. We knew that churches function like hospitalsґhelping to provide spiritual nourishment for those in need. We also knew that God was encouraging us to build a M.A.S.H.- type unit to help those wounded who might not be well enough to get to the "hospital" on their own.
God used Lenneth Dyson, a woman BOLD for Christ, to help make this desire a reality! Because of Lenneth's testimonyin the same community over 20 years before, and her willingness to pray for others, a deep relationship was formed and that relationship was part of the catalyst of a 4000 square foot building being donated for $1.00!
The building, now known asThe Lion's Den, has been remodeled, much of it with donated time and materials. It is designed to have a coffeehouse area (a place to "hangout" and play table-type games), an Internet Cafe (with computers on DSL), and a game room (including Playstation 2, foosball, ping pong, and a pool table).
We realized quickly that the unique nature of this project required that it be "owned" by a community of churches in our communityґchurches that share our belief that Jesus lived, died, rose again, and is coming again. We reached out to them and asked them to buy into this M.A.S.H. unit concept with us.
And they did! The response has been fabulous. Many local churches have found some way to connect with The Lion's Den!
We hired a Site Manager, Vinnie Burgess, with a passion for youth and an ability to help lead this project. Vinnie served for the first 5 years of the Lion's Den project. She was with us almost from the inception. We will always be grateful for her dedication and participation in the work of the Lion's Den!
We've also had great support from local businesses. We are excited about the future as we can see involvement growing from different sources: The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), The Community Anti- Drug Coalition, Springfield College and Maybury Material Handling are just a few of the newer connections with the Lion's Den. As these organizations and their employees find ways to connect at the Lion's Den, we can see our community growing and becoming healthier.
Also, our local Police Department has found some great ways to connect with the teens!
Call us at
413-543-4444
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