“When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them.” Romans 12:13
Lent 2026: Genesis of Hope
This Lent, Hope is partnering with Genesis Youth Foundation to help them renovate a permanent building to call home, add programming to their existing list of offerings, create a safe haven for families in need, and better serve refugee youth and families in our community!
Who Is Genesis Youth Foundation?
Genesis Youth Foundation is committed to empowering immigrant and refugee families in Iowa by creating pathways for success in education, leadership, sports, and cultural preservation. Their mission goes beyond providing services; they strive to inspire hope, foster resilience, and cultivate leaders who will make meaningful contributions to society. Through their programming, they address the unique challenges these individuals face. From after-school programs that boost academic achievement, to soccer leagues that teach teamwork and discipline, from arts initiatives that embrace cultural pride, to leadership academies that inspire civic engagement, GYF equips youth with the needed tools to excel in every aspect of their lives while empowering parents and guardians alongside their children.
Hope and GYF’s Partnership
GYF has been a mission partner of Hope’s since 2021. When Hope acquired what is now the home of Hope+Elim, we knew we had extra space that could be used by ministries in need of a location and shared similar missions to Hope. GYF inquired and, for the past several years, has used space at Hope+Elim, and it has been wonderful to see their ministry grow and thrive! However, they are in need of additional space to adequately meet the growing needs of their ministry and programming.
In 2021, Hope was contacted by leaders from what was previously St. Paul Lutheran Church in Des Moines. They were looking to gift their church building to us, as their church was closing, and they wanted to see if we could use the building to serve the community and continue that legacy. Fast forward several years, and after doing some immediate needed building renovations (new roof and structural repairs), we feel the best use of this space would be to gift it to GYF. It is a great location for their ministry, and will allow them to grow and impact the community in amazing ways!
How Hope Can Help
This Lent, we invite you to prayerfully consider giving to help support the important work GYF is doing! All money given will go to increase their reach in Central Iowa through ways such as the following:
- Fully fund the renovation of a permanent location for the Genesis Youth Foundation Learning Center that will create a permanent, safe, and welcoming space for youth development, academic support, and family stabilization.
- Purchase reliable transportation (buses/vans) to support GYF’s transportation program. Nearly 95% of the youth and families they serve depend on GYF transportation to access programming.
- Purchase and renovate the house adjacent to the soon-to-be Genesis Youth Foundation Learning Center, creating a safe haven for immigrant and refugee families. This space would allow them to provide temporary housing and care for families in crisis, including youth who may be separated from their families, while working with the state and city during times of investigation or transition.
- Fully fund GYF’s soccer program (cover the cost of uniforms, field rentals, league and tournament fees, and travel costs), which is the most popular and effective entry point for engaging immigrant and refugee youth. Soccer is often the first way young people connect with GYF, and it enables them to build relationships, provide mentorship, and consistently ensure youth are nourished through meals and ongoing support.
How to Get Involved
Pray and ask God how he may be calling you to give! Pray also for the important work God is doing through GYF, the families and youth they serve, and that God’s light would shine brightly through the additional ways GYF will be able to serve our brothers and sisters thanks to your generous gifts!
Giving is available now by clicking the button below. For physical donations, designated donation boxes can be found at the church.
If you are interested in learning how you can give your time and talents to help serve alongside GYF, visit their website!