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 a consistent, loving adult mentor 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 One-to-One Mentoring, caring adults help children grow in faith, identity, relationships, and empowerment through life skills - the building blocks of lasting change.