If you've never stepped foot into Straight Street in Downtown Roanoke, you might glance through the pictures on their website and not fully grasp their ministry. There are many pictures of teens playing games and having fun. Sure, that's a big part of the draw to the program, but there's so much more to what this organization does weekly.
During our most recent visit to Straight Street, our church was able to serve a meal to the youth there to start the night. Did you know the churches and organizations you see in the pictures provide the meal? We stand in awe of all the many people who have a hand in ensuring everyone is fed before the night starts and in awe of so many people in our valley desiring to help in this way.
The night then shifted to games and connecting. It's amazing to think that each week, people around the valley show up to talk with the students and to share. Not only that, they (the students) share, too. One of our church members learned more about a student, his home life, the struggles he faces, and how this young man spends most of his time. Game time creates a bond with these students as they learn to trust the people sitting across the table or passing them the ball.
We quickly found that although games and fun are wonderful opportunities of connecting, Straight Street also provides opportunities for education. This week, the students participated in life skill classes. What does this look like you might ask? It's a group of teens learning how to maintain their cars from a top expert. It was a group learning to cook meals for themselves and tips and tricks in the kitchen. There were other learning opportunities happening, all things we need to know as we transition from teen to adult.
We are grateful to again be able to serve along with Straight Street and to see God's hand at work in their ministry. If you'd like more information about how you can be involved, please contact them at info@straightstreet.org or visit their website at straightstreet.org.
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