The Richmond Outreach Center Uses Athleticism as Outreach Approach
As many communities search for ways to get younger generations involved with charitable efforts, some martial arts organizations are finding that athleticism can motivate children. The Richmond Outreach Center follows a similar mentality.
Online, August 14, 2012 (Newswire.com) - For many communities, it can prove difficult to encourage youth to contribute to society and remain active. With high populations of at-risk teens and childhood obesity on the rise, many organizations have found it essential to keep America's children away from criminal and idle behaviors. A recent article from Los Banos Enterprise highlights how locally-owned and operated Twin Tigers Kung Fu Studio in California has responded to such problems by combining spirituality, athleticism and activism. Across the country in Richmond, Virginia, The Richmond Outreach Center has formed numerous outreach ministries that follow the same attitude; using sports to motivate children to behave appropriately.
Twin Tigers' owner, SiFu Eric Gardere explains how his martial arts studio is more than just Kung Fu practice. In addition to learning the disciplined art of Kung Fu, Gardere's students contribute to volunteer activities, such as providing a monthly meal to the homeless in Los Banos. Most recently, the company put on a performance to benefit the Memorial Hospital in Los Banos. Gardere commented, "We're one of the few Christian-based martial arts studios around. We'll be putting on a good show for them. It's a way for our studio to give back."
The Twin Tigers Studio is also connected to several outreach ministries that work to raise money and support the growth of churches in the area. The Richmond Outreach Center also uses athleticism to spread the word of Christ to those who may be seeking spiritual guidance. The organization offers more than 150 ministries that aim to reach out to potential church members, each serving a particular interest group.
To reach out to youth, The Richmond Outreach Center offers a variety of sports and fitness activities that motivate children. Senior Pastor Geronimo Aguilar comments on how The Richmond Outreach Center succeeds in this approach, "The reason we offer so many ministries to the community is because society is full of different types of people with all different kinds of needs. One way we have been successful in mentoring youth is through athletics that include baseball, basketball and even mixed martial arts. It's not just about the sport-it's about self-discipline, respecting authority, and following the rules, in life as well as in the game. Through our athletic ministries, we build self-esteem among inner-city and at-risk youth, while simultaneously forming lasting friendships with children whose parents may be in jail or addicted to drugs."
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Founded in 2001, the Richmond Outreach Center has provided many Christian-based services to improve the community through health, education and spirituality. The organization has been credited for reducing crime in the Richmond area, as well as helping many needy families and homeless individuals who suffer from drug addiction, hunger and poor health. The Richmond Outreach Center strives to improve the lives of these people through genuine encouragement and passing on the values associated with the Christian faith.
For more information about the Richmond Outreach Center, visit www.theroc.com.