Young men going to jail is one of the hardest things we face.Youth With A Purpose has a mission to teach young men how to become mentors who guide young children into compassionate decision making. Money can make people do good things or bad things. Compassionate men are more likely to avoid violence and embrace their roles as responsible fathers.
     When President Obama spoke of overhauling child support rules for prisoners, our YWAP ears perked up. We believe in teaching young men to be responsible, but burdening them with an overwhelming debt is irresponsible. The debt society pays in raising fatherless children is increasing. We're against any increase in debt. Responsible punishment will actually reduce crime. Adding more layers of punishment increases crime.
     A President has a responsibility to reduce incarceration and recidivism, which is the rate at which prisoners are re-incarcerated. Many former inmates feel they have no choice but to return to a life of crime to pay overwhelming debts including child support. At YWAP we have seen it happen on a regular basis. Felons have a hard time getting employment that will pay a "child-support wage."
     Paying your debt for the crime you've committed is the responsible thing to do, but should we make responsible into impossible? There are answers. Prisons make big money on telephone calls and many other inmate privileges. We tax cigarettes and alcohol to help pay for some of the health problems they cause. Can we dip into the pot of gold that comes from selling privileges to inmates?
     This is not a political statement or an endorsement of any political party. We're happy that the President has opened up the door of discussion on a deadly problem. Unless you're involved in the lives of inmates and their families, you may not understand. Please, seek to understand.
     Youth With A Purpose is building programs for young men and children that will help them avoid jail. We are going to help young men ear more than a "child-support wage" so they can comfortably raise their children. We want them to embrace their role as fathers. If you would like to get involved and leave a legacy that demonstrates compassion, please call us. 716-830-8240.
You can also learn more at; How To Support YWAP

     "An open mike for Jesus" might be a cool way to describe what "First Saturday Worship" is all about. Alpha & Omega International Band hosts an open mike on the first Saturday of every month at the Slavonic Christian Church 560 Englewood Ave. Buffalo, New York.
     Laughter, music, dancing, words of wisdom, prayer and praising God is a beautiful way to spend a Saturday evening. Everyone is welcome to share their gifts as we give them for God's glory.
     Plenty of food - both for the soul and body can be found to fill your desires. A potluck dinner is served afterward along with more smiles and friendship.
     Hands are God's instruments. He established the work of our hands; We lift them in praise, we fold them in prayer and we extend them to show love to our neighbors.
     Abundant friendship is the fruit of the First Saturday Worship. We are friends of God and we extend His friendship to you. On November 5, 2016 we'll do it again. Join us.
 
Thanks for your time. Go do something nice for somebody.
Jesus loves you and so do we.
#FIRSTSATURDAY #ALPHA&OMEGA #LIFETICKET #JLYASDW

     On October 1, 2016 University of Buffalo Students took part in a morning of Community Service in Buffalo's Fruit Belt neighborhood. All of the students were given a copy of Ken Metzger's book "The Potters Perfect Piece." We also gave them a note of thanks and some information about who we are. You can read it below.

     You came to Locust St. in Buffalo, NY to serve some neighbors. You helped many people and the actions of your heart are evidenced by the work of your hands. You planted seeds of compassion that will reach all over the world. Thank you, we appreciate you. If you ever need a reference letter, please let us know. There are many more opportunities to serve the elderly or more specialized (dangerous) opportunities. Thank you. Jesus loves you and so do we.
HELP WANTED (IT MIGHT BE DANGEROUS!)
If we ran an ad for the position of Youth Director, it might look something like this:
Wanted: an individual or individuals for what can be a very dangerous mission.
You will visit prisons, hospitals, schools, funeral parlors, courtrooms, police stations, cemeteries, airports, mountains and family homes. 
You'll hear about atrocities committed in other countries that affect the people in Buffalo. 
You may hear or see gunshots. You may see young people die. 
You may see a 13 yr. old girl with a premature stillborn child. 
You may get your heart broken at least once a week. 
You may receive phone calls at any hour of the day. 
You'll hear about and witness all kinds of abuse. 
You'll get to break up fights between gangs.
You'll give love and receive hate. 
You will cry. 
So why would you do this? 
You'll see the AH HA in a child's eyes when they begin to understand what love is.
They'll ask you to help them make music. You get to watch them dance and sing. 
You will climb mountains, fly airplanes, go camping, play basketball and soccer. 
They come back to visit after they move, go away to college or get out of jail. 
They will ask their deepest questions because they trust you. 
You'll get to know what love really is through brokenness. 
They'll give you Valentines and surprise birthday parties. 
They'll invite you to family parties and graduations. 
You get to hug them when they cry.
We do eat pretty good. 
You'll get to pray. 
And what's your pay? It's not much, but what you receive might be invaluable. If you'd like to learn more about this life altering opportunity, please call us. 
We need volunteers, mentors, website developers, folks with publishing and marketing experience. We need financial partners. Most of all we need you to spread the word and ask other people to invite us to share the word.

None Like You Community Block Club - Mrs. Elizabeth Triggs 716-533-9753
Youth With A Purpose Inc. - Bob & Linda Kuebler 716-830-8240
www.youthwithapurpose.org
ywapbuffalo@yahoo.com
If need a speaker for your school, church, community center or youth group,
please call us. 716-830-8240 

Thanks for your time. Go do something nice for somebody.
"How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news." Isaiah 52:7
#LIFETICKET #JLYASDW