An Update from Mark Nelson About Freedom for Youth Ministries
Posted by Brian Buethe
on Oct 26, 2015
Mark Nelson, the Executive Director for Freedom for Youth Ministries was the guest speaker at the October 26th regular meeting of the Rotary Club of West Polk County. Freedom for Youth Ministries is no stranger to West Polk County Rotarians. In fact, it is an organization that we have actively supported, almost since the inception of the club. However, Mark was able to bring the members up to speed on some new developments that their organization is undertaking in order to improve the services that they are able to offer the youth they engage.
Freedom for You Ministries is now in their twelfth year in operation. When they began, they served only a few young adults, age 18-22, but now the organization serves around 200 children and young adults every week. Mark indicated that not only is their organization growing, but he feels they are getting better at what they do. They’ve learned that people usually value things they’ve earned, more than things that are just given to them.
One major initiative they are undertaking includes the construction of a new coffee shop. While they have been roasting and selling coffee beans for awhile, they have recently acquired a neighboring property that used to be a car wash. They are converting the building to allow more space for coffee shop operations , which will allow them to employ more people, and in doing so teach more life skills. The new facility will also boast assembly areas, teaching areas, and a drive through for those folks in a rush. 
Furthermore, in the past year, thanks to a donation from Wells Fargo, they have launched Freedom Construction Services. Participants are fixing up a repossessed home in need of repair. After it is completed, they intend to sell the home and buy another project home, so that they can teach students skills that could be used in a future career potentially.
Overall, the organization not only growing, but improving. They have a strong desire to not only serve inner city area, but rural areas in need as well. Already, satellite locations have been established in communities here in central Iowa, and more areas will be served in the future.
We would like to thank Mark for speaking to the Rotary Club of West Polk County. We look forward to continuing our support and engagement with Freedom for Youth Ministries for many years to come.
Pictured Above: Dee Kading (Charles Gabus Ford) and Mark Nelson (Freedom for Youth Ministries).