Programs

Alternative Supension Accountability Program

At ESCAPE Ministries we want to help students stay and finish high school. We recognized so many young adults in our community were getting suspended, or expelled, falling behind and eventually dropping out of school. Seeing a need, and partnering with local schools, Escape developed the Alternative Suspension Accountability Program (A.S.A.P.). A.S.A.P. provides a safe learning environment for students who have been suspended or expelled from a traditional educational setting. Our primary focus is academic, however we also address goal setting, behavior management, career exploration, and community service. With these additional focuses, students are prepared to return to their original place of learning and encouraged toward future success.

A.S.A.P. started in 2013, and that year 90% of students went back to school with an above C average. One young man found out he was two credits ahead of his classmates when he went back to his school. We found students in our structured and learning environment, flourish and work hard to achieve the ability to go back to school. We have certified teachers and learning coaches on staff to make this program a positive experience. Parents may enroll their student in the program free of charge for the duration of the student’s suspension. Students are admitted on a first come, first served basis. ESCAPE reserves the right to deny acceptance to any student who has not used A.S.A.P. as a learning opportunity, or has disrespected staff or other students in the program. You must have the completed information and permission packet prior to the first day. The application form for kids ages 12 – 17 can be downloaded here. The application form for kids ages 18 – 20 can be downloaded here. To enroll your son or daughter, or to receive more information, please call our office at (616) 796­0538 or e­mail Theda Fields at gro.t1498172678uo-ep1498172678acse@1498172678adeht1498172678

Employment is an important part of attaining independence. Often times the job search, application and interview processes can become overwhelming. ESCAPE Ministries wants to be a resource in the community for our aging youth and families. Maybe you have just graduated from high school. Perhaps your position was eliminated, or you could be at a point in your life where you desire a new position. So much changes in the employment world, whether it’s applying for a position online, attaching a resume to an e-­mail or reviewing interview questions, we are your guides! Joseph Jobs is a program to help youth and adults navigate the employment search process. We want to help make the job search process more simplified for you. With our one­-on-­one approach, we can give you the attention you deserve and mentor you along the way. To find out how you can become a participant in Joseph Jobs, please call our office at (616) 796-­0538. Holland Youth Connection Many of our youth today want meaningful work experience. ESCAPE Ministries partnered with the City of Holland to provide work opportunities for students with little or no experience. The Holland Youth Connection Summer Job Program is geared toward youth 14 to 17 years old. Our objectives for the program:

• To give youth the opportunity to gain work experience and develop useful and appropriate work behaviors.
• To provide beneficial services to the public and private organizations in our community.
• To help youth gain a sense of achievement and accomplishment with new found teamwork and work ethic.

All worksites are with local organizations committed to helping our youth develop job skills. We encourage you to check out our video from the Holland Youth Connection 2013:

For more information, please contact our office at (616) 796-­0538 or visit the Holland Youth Connections website.   Career Development ESCAPE Ministries partners with Michigan Works to help young people and their families find employment. Michigan Works can help develop your skills and enable you to become part of the local workforce from everything to summer jobs to a career. You can meet with a Michigan Works representative, Kendra Mason, at the ESCAPE offices.She is available by appointment only. To schedule an appointment call the office at (616) 796­-0538.

Ministry Outreach to Homeless: ESCAPE Ministries has started outreach to the homeless in our community. A growing ministry, but a special one that we feel is needed. We provide a food pantry and washers and dryers. For more information, please contact the office at (616) 796-­0538. WestSide Boxing WestSide Boxing is one of the fastest growing boxing groups in Holland, MI. At ESCAPE Ministries we are proud to have a hand in providing facilities and mentorship to 176 members who are dedicated and committed to their training. WestSide Boxing is helping kids “break down the barriers one punch at a time.” Redemption Fitness A free fitness program run by Mike Gruppen for ESCAPE members, their families and WestSide boxing participants. Our state of the art gym is located at 202 East 32nd St. where we offer trainers to help you build your strength and endurance. We are open everyday from 5 p.m. ­ 8 p.m.

Weekly after school programs from 4pm to 6 pm Monday through Friday and Sunday from 1 pm to 3pm offer mentoring our students in tutoring, specific classes or just hanging out. Our programs include; Moral Revolution, How do we as Christians make the proper choices and make a contribution in todays society. Directions, taking field trips within our community to create awareness of possible careers and opportunities for growth. Flix, finding the Christian element in todays movies and writing a journal about what they discovered. Reflect, teen Bible study that applies God’s Word to todays youth, talking about struggles and joys. Great Escape, Classes like Alpha, Omega, dedicated to learning and growth.

Here is video of a mission trip we took to South Africa in 2013:

Do you have questions about life and God’s purpose for you? Many people don’t understand the Bible or Scripture and are unsure where to go for answers. At ESCAPE we want to be a resource for you to ask questions about the Word and get the answers you are seeking. The Great ESCAPE is a program that explores what the Bible has to say about life, in particular how you can use His Word in yours. There are three classes in our program ­ Alpha, Omega and Foundations. Through the classes you will discover for the first time, or re­discover, what it means to have a relationship with Jesus Christ. It’s a way for you to learn about the bible, its messages and how they apply to your life in today’s world. Every Sunday class is from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. in a large group setting. Classes are open to students and families, no registration is required and a meal is provided. We encourage you to ask questions, get some answers and journey with us to escape the darkness and walk in the light.

Are you struggling with your school work? Do you lack a quiet place at home to do homework? If you answered yes to both of those questions then we’ve got an option for you! Come to ESCAPE for a quiet place to study, and get help from our learning coaches if you’re struggling. We are here as a support for you and to help you stay on track. When you study at ESCAPE you will receive one­-on­-one time with a learning coach. After school tutoring is available from 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. If you have questions, please call the office at (616) 796-­0538.

Throughout the year ESCAPE Ministries provides multiple programs for students. T.O.P. ESCAPE’s Teen Outreach Program (T.O.P) is a free, evidence based, four month Life Skills/Youth Development Program offered to young adults ages 14 to 21 years. Through the program we focus on positive decision making, serving the community and building responsible lifestyles. Participants have the chance to win prizes and hang out with motivated peers. T.O.P. is a free program and a meal is provided. You must register for the program. For more information about the program call our office at (616) 796­-0538. Need a Ride? Can’t drive, no bike, or is it too cold to walk? No problem ­ we will pick you up and drop you off! ESCAPE offers program participants rides from local high schools to programs, and then drop off at home afterward. All you need to do is call our office at (616) 796-­0538 and arrange a ride. Onsite Counseling ESCAPE Ministries partners with existing counseling services to provide free counseling to individuals or families. For more information, please call our office at (616) 796-­0538.