The Genesis of Oaks Ministries
In 2008, a group of families and individuals from First Presbyterian Church took a leap of faith. They purchased old homes and moved into the downtown area of Augusta, GA, with a two-fold mission: to restore people and rebuild places. Over time, they developed deep relationships within the community, gaining insights into its assets and challenges.
From Community Dinners to Holistic Programs
What initially began as regular community dinners soon evolved into a weekly Bible study for kids. This laid the foundation for neighbors to connect and led to the birth of Hope for Augusta, offering support services like tutoring, mentoring, and discipleship.
Preparing for Life After High School
As the ministry continued to grow, there was a burgeoning desire to see students better prepared for life after high school. Recognizing the importance of entrepreneurship and job skills, especially for inner-city youth, Mike and I sought to expand its focus. Partnering with local churches, businesses, and organizations became a strategic move to offer internships and entrepreneurial opportunities. These partnerships are crucial in providing the youth with the tools they need to succeed in the competitive job market.
A New Chapter: Becoming Oaks Ministries
In 2023, Mike and I transitioned from Hope for Augusta in order to co-found and co-direct a 501c3 non-profit entity, Oaks Ministries. The name is inspired by Isaiah 61:3, emphasizing the vision for students to become “Oaks of Righteousness.” To achieve this, the ministry believes a few things:
We are founded on and rooted in the gospel. Therefore:
- We believe that every student is created in the image of God and has inherent purpose, value,and dignity.
- We believe in creating a safe environment where our students’ cultures are celebrated and theyare affirmed in their gifts.
- We believe in raising up generational leaders who will transform their city.
The Vision Forward
Our prayer is that the students of Oaks Ministries will become Oaks of Righteousness: confident in who they are in Christ and empowered to use the gifts God has given them to influence and transform their communities.
If you’re interested in learning more about youth programs in Augusta, GA, or wish to contribute to Oaks Ministries, contact us today. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of our youth and the future of our community.