What we do
What we’re doing now:
I Need Help Program
Families in Pleasantville can reach out to us directly with requests for help with clothing, sports equipment, and more. If we are unable to directly meet the need request, we will connect them with someone who can help.
Feeding kids & teens
Through our partnership with Knoxville Youth Food Initiative, we are able to provide meals all summer long for kids and teens in our community. In the summer of 2023 we passed out over 20K meals and an additional 200 meal bags over Christmas Break.
Fun Events
Throughout the year we host fun social events for Pleasantville’s teens. These include dances, after football game parties, pool days, and much more!
Community Events
We love a parade! And we also love to participate in our city events. In addition, we have hosted a Trick-Or-Treat on the Square event for several years that draws everyone to the center of town. Local businesses and organizations partner with us and pass out candy to kids and teens alike!
partnerships
We love to partner with other local organizations that are doing great work in Marion County. Check out our growing list of partners here.
Mentoring and support groups
We are currently beginning the training process with Tree House, an organization with over 40 years of experience mentoring teens in the mid-west. We hope to launch this program fully in Fall of 2024 once our team and volunteers are fully trained.
Mental health advocacy
We have resources available for families and teens who need more information about local mental health services.
Other advocacy
We are often serving as advocates for teens and parents. We point them toward resources, give them advice, or just provide a listening ear. We are also actively learning and advocating for better resources and programs for our community.
Future:
When our building project is complete
We have much more we’d like to offer the Pleasantville community once our building project is completed. Here are just a few things to look forward to:
Classes:
Life Skills, Art, Music, Cooking, etc.
Creative Space:
Art, Music, Recording, Cooking
Needs Pantry:
Filled with toiletry items, basic clothing, etc.
Counseling/ Mentoring Room:
This space can be used for trained volunteer mentoring or by professional counselors.
Prayer Room:
This space can be utilized by those who would like some quiet time to spend in prayer.
More Events:
When our space is ready, we plan to increase the number of events and program offerings.
Tutoring:
Our building will include classroom space for students to meet with tutors.
Art and Culture:
Our building will display local art, murals, and more to increase the beauty of our downtown and encourage artistic creativity in Pleasantville’s culture.
Meals:
Our goal with our commercial kitchen space is not only to teach teens cooking, but to also host free meals for our community and for teens on a monthly or weekly basis.
Rentable space:
We will have rentable spaces both for those looking for meeting space or those looking to host events.