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“The most important resource in the world today is children.” It was clear that Steve Godbolt, executive director of Northeast Ministry in Bethlehem, strongly believed in the mission to which he was called. Steve was asked to join the Seminary community for a Student Services Lunch in April to give a presentation on his foundation’s latest accomplishments and to accept a $500 donation from by the Mission & Outreach Committee’s 3rd Annual Pancake Breakfast fundraiser.
Steve spoke about three teenagers who have made a great impact on his life through Northeast Ministry, which serves the disadvantaged youth and families in the Marvine-Pembroke community. Because most of the kids who attend the afterschool and summer programs start at 5 years old and stay until they graduate from high school, Steve can spend the time to help them grow into responsible adults. He teaches through example and one-on-one contact.
Because Northeast Ministries does not accept any money from United Way, their staff is made up of two full-time employees, a part-time receptionist and a handful of college students in the summer. They also are always looking for volunteers to offer their own unique gifts, such as a story hour or art lessons. Steve divides his own time between the kids, maintaining the office, running the food bank, writing grants, and organizing fundraisers.
At the current time, Northeast Ministries offers an after-school program for 25 local youth and a summer program for sixty. They also have 52 families who use their food bank each month. Steve shows a fatherly pride for the children that he has influenced in his 30 years of social work. “You have to expect things from them. Kids need to know if they’re doing the right thing.” |
