For kids who want to get out and be active this summer, but can’t afford some of the other summer programs being offered at local community centers, there is an alternative — the chance to participate in sporting activities for free thanks to the Faith and Hope Reach Out Center.

Angela and Tre Allen run the Christian-based youth ministry out of a building located on the corner of Hadley and South streets. Starting this weekend, they are hitting the streets to get the word out about their free summer activities.

To drum up interest for the program, they are also hosting a block party next Saturday beginning at 12 p.m. They will be offering prizes, free food and entertainment.

“The block party is to raise awareness for the youth and show them a positive side to things. We are starting to get together summer youth leagues for kids that can’t afford to go other places. So we are going to be able to play basketball at the gym, volleyball and paint ball. We serve breakfast and lunch here. We just want to make it to be a place youth can come and their parents will know that they are taken care of,” said Angela Allen.

Right now the center is looking for volunteers who can help coach the different teams in the leagues. The group will be using the gym at the Fountain of Life church, which donated the use of the facility.

She said kids ages 6 to 17 can sign up for the program at no cost.

“We just want to give them a safe secure place to go to that will get them off the street.”

In addition to the summer youth program, the reach out center offers Bible study on Saturday nights with a DJ who plays Christian rap and hip-hop songs. They also are working on getting a talent show going for the summer.

Their ministry began in 2008, with the House of Recovery, which helps women and children with addictions. It’s a two-year program that includes spiritual counseling, a work program and job training. Right now, the home is full.

Allen said the Reach Out Center on South Street is targeting youth and trying to catch them young. They opened at that location in February.

“What it is, is once it’s open and fully operational, we will have a computer area for education purpose and job research. It also will be a place where the homeless can use at their address. If they are homeless, they can’t give the Department of Social Services an address. We are providing an address so they can receive services. They can use us as a messaging place to take calls about appointments they might have. It’s a place for them to come get fed. It’s a place for the youth to come. We have Bible studies on Thursdays, we are hoping to expand that to Tuesday nights next month. We have Narcotics Anonymous meetings. We just have a lot things to offer,” Allen said.

She is working on getting a 24-hour crisis line set up.

“We really want to target the youth with this because with youth, I just found out from the State Mental Health and Substance Abuse Center in Raleigh that teen suicide is the second highest killer of youth between the ages of 13 and 18. I was blown away. So we want to be a safe haven for those youth where they can come and talk to us about their problems — maybe something they wouldn’t feel comfortable talking to a parent about,” Allen said.

Right now, the Allens are in desperate need of a passenger van to transport the kids to and from the gym. She said the van doesn’t have to be anything fancy, just be able to get the kids from place to place safely.

The center also runs a food pantry, which helps feed kids in the program and hungry families in the community. She said the group is always looking for donations to that ministry. Right now, the organization is feeding about 130 people per week with the food ministry.

Allen wanted to thank Dean Bray for all of his help to the program.

“Without his help, none of this would have been possible.”

For more information about the programs at Faith and Hope Reach Out Center, call (336) 755-3894.

Contact Mondee Tilley at mtilley@mtairynews.com or at 719-1930.