Ezekiel Ministries

WHO WE ARE:
Ezekiel Ministries exists to connect every child with a mentor who guides them to experience Jesus and unlock their full potential. We do this by equipping and empowering the local Church to build healthy mentoring relationships.

We mentor kids in two distinct ways: Group Mentoring and 1:1 Mentoring. Our Group Mentoring program, led by trained staff and volunteers, creates a safe place where kids are known and loved after school each week. Our 1:1 Mentoring program is all about matching a child with a safe, caring adult to provide even closer mentoring encouragement and specific support for kids and their families through outings in the community each week. We connect, equip & walk alongside each match to ensure that mentors & kids thrive through every season, age, and stage.

The result is a Christ-centered network of mentors & kids growing together in faith, purpose, belonging, and confidence.

OUR STORY:
Ezekiel Ministries began in 2009 as a service project in a low-income community called "The Gates" in Columbia, SC. Infamous for criminal activity, unsafe housing, and harsh conditions, the neighborhood was often referred to as the "Gates of Hell." As volunteers worked and spent time around the neighborhood kids, one thing became clear: kids in hard places need consistent relationships with a network of safe, loving adults.

Kids growing up in environments of chronic stress, instability, or adversity without the presence of enough consistent, loving adult mentors are overwhelmingly more vulnerable to negative life impact. Early exposure to trauma and prolonged stress without emotional support changes the brains and bodies of growing children, affecting physical, mental, and social health.

At Ezekiel Ministries, mentoring is how kids from hard places experience hope and growth. Through Group Mentoring and 1:1 Mentoring, caring adults help children grow in faith, identity, relationships, and empowerment through life skills - the building blocks of lasting change.

Testimonials

View Lauren and Allison's mentoring story here: 

"I am so thankful for y'all and this place. I'm serious; you have no idea how much of a difference you've made in Jamie's life. She's like a different kid! She has come completely out of her shell; it's like she's a totally different kid! She speaks up for herself now and is so confident in herself it's unbelievable! I've got to find a way to keep her here next year. Seriously, you guys have NO IDEA how much you have helped her and changed her life." - Parent

“My son is in middle school and continues to beg for friends to go with him on outings. I told him that is not allowed and asked him why? He said that the Mentor was young, fun and that all of his friends need Mentors. He and I are so grateful to have a Mentor.” - Parent

“My mentor teaches me about Jesus. We did a devotional where I had to squeeze toothpaste out of a tube and then I had to try and put it back in. Guess what? It was messy. Just like sin. It’s messy and it can get everywhere.” - Mentee