MILK AND HONEY KIDS CLUB

1992:  Milk and Honey Kids Club was established as a children's Bible study program within a low-income, inner-city housing project.  It soon became apparent that many of the children were having difficulty with reading and faced many other challenges that were not being addressed by the services that were being provided. 

1996:  The program was incorporated as a community-based non-profit organization (501C3) and children received daily after-school care, tutoring, mentoring, and nutritious snacks, in addition to Christian education. 

1997:  A delinquency prevention grant from the State of Florida Department of Juvenile Justice enabled Milk and Honey to expand its programs and increase the number of children served.  The Summer Camp program provides an opportunity for children to continue to improve their reading skills during the summer months as well as develop physical skills such as swimming, horseback riding, skating, and an appreciation of arts through field trips to museums and various other cultural experiences.

2000:  A Computer Lab opened, in partnership with the City of Pensacola and the Department of Juvenile Justice allowing internet access and the ability to use technology to increase reading and math skills.

2001:  A pilot program was completed for Girls Embracing a More Excellent Way, a program geared toward "at-risk" African-American girls ages 10-17. 

2003:  In response to the need for a nutritious meal during the school break, Week-long Spring and Fall Break Camps began,   In addition to a nutritious lunch, each day programs that focus on core values (honesty, respect, responsibility, kindness, and self-control), arts and crafts, and character building (conflict resolution, anger management, making good decisions, and consequences) are provided.

This ministry is an expression of God's love in the world and serves to bring God's healing, hope, and help to people in need.  Milk and Honey has partnered with and has been supported by a number of churches including Methodist, Episcopal, Presbyterian, Baptist, and the Protestant Navy Chapel, as well as a number of community and governmental organizations including the City of Pensacola, United Way of Escambia County, the Department of Juvenile Justice, and the Community Drug and Alcohol Commission.

By providing services within the neighborhood, by consistent, trusted African American role models and dedicated volunteers, the program has become a valuable part of the lives of needy children.