Program areas at The Other Way Ministries
Early childhood education: little lights infant and toddler program provides tuition-free infant, toddler, and pre-school program for income-qualifying families. Infant/toddler classrooms operate 10 hours per day, 5 days per week, using evidenced-based curriculum and practices. Participation in little lights also includes meals, diapers, and formula at no cost, and number of family supports including teacher home visits, resource referrals, dental and developmental screenings, supports for special needs students, and Other services.
Family/community development: several Other programs are offered to support our community at no cost, including: a daily after school program for neighborhood elementary students, weekly teen club, summer youth workforce development program, a men's group, christmas store, mental health/ counseling services, a community garden, and Other resource assistance and referall services.
Food assistance: a three-tiered approach to food assistance geared toward food sovereignty: 1. Emergency food pantry: available 5 days per week for low-income households for weekly use, with emphasis on health, choice, and dignity for all of our neighbors. Resource assistance and referall also provided to address Other needs. 2. Agape food co-op: community of neighbors who meet regularly and receive additional, more targeted assistance with food and household product needs determined by members themselves. A nominal membership fee is charged to offset costs and is set by members themselves. 3. Fresh market: retail space selling fresh, local produce at 50% discount for income-qualifying neighbors. Snap benefits are accepted.