What Is Escape?
Escape Ministries is a non-profit dedicated to intervening in the lives of youth who fall through the cracks of society.
We connect youth with opportunities, resources, and Gospel-rooted relationships, empowering all to thrive and discover our worth together.
What Sets Us Apart
Seeing Beneath The Surface
We see kids for who they truly are, not for the labels placed on them.
Accountability & Restoration
We hold students to appropriate standards, and help them work towards solving problems and restoring relationships, building these critical skills.
Relationship Focused
We work towards mutual, trusting, safe, and lasting relationships throughout our programs.
Gosepl Rooted
Escape is rooted in the Gospel of Jesus, and we work with people from all different beliefs to empower students towards growth, peace, and hope together.
Meet Our Director
Kevin Denton
Kevin has an extensive background as an educator and leader, exhibiting innovation and a passion for youth and their families.
Prior to joining the Escape team, Kevin has served as an educational leader and school designer. He also has served on steering committees and as a Family Pastor. He is passionate about helping create places for people to thrive and know the love of Jesus.
In his free time, he loves to coach soccer, play guitar, chase trout with a flyrod, and adventure in the wilderness with his family. He considers himself to be a rich man because of his wife of 23 years, Lynelle and his 3 amazing kids.
What our partners are saying:
I have witnessed firsthand the progress that students who participate in Escape can make as they successfully transition back to the traditional school setting. This program is a gift to young people in our community to improve the trajectory of their future.
Brian Davis
Former Superintendent, Holland Public SchoolsThe collaboration between Escape and West Ottawa has provided an incredible opportunity for our students. It allows students to move beyond their mistakes and progress toward graduation. It is clear that the relationships built at Escape are life-changing.
Michelle Woods
Assistant Principal, West Ottawa High SchoolThe work Escape is doing with our community's youth is transformational – for the kids, the volunteers, and the community. Partnering with Escape helps our church to be connected with youth and families in our community who are often forgotten or dismissed.
Lisa Urivez-Karp
Lead Pastor, New Beginnings ChurchIt's inspiring to see youth who have been on probation with us make positive steps and be celebrated for their accomplishments at Escape. The restorative, relational, and accountable approach Escape uses is special, and it's effective.
