Lighthouse
Our
Story
Community Presence
Members of First Presbyterian Church initiated, incorporated, and continue to be a key funders of Lighthouse Ministry Inc. along with donations from other churches, individuals, and local organizations. Lighthouse Ministry Inc is a non-profit 501 (c) 3 organization, which provides many programs including tutoring, mentoring, youth home repair program, youth leadership training, and free summer day camps. A number of years ago Lighthouse Ministry initiated a community garden, which has evolved into the Olive Street Community Garden Project. The garden is located in one of the most distressed neighborhoods in the City. Significant funds have been donated to the purchase and development of the Ann C. Campbell Garden House which has been an extension of Lighthouse programs since 2021. For more information about the garden, Garden House, and all of Lighthouse's programs , visit https://www.lighthouseministryinc.org
The vision of our congregation is that we will strengthen our outreach by forming partnerships with local congregations, our public schools, and the community at large. The Olive Street Community Garden and programs in the Ann C. Campbell Garden House provide a warm and welcoming space for building relationships, reaching people for Christ, and meeting needs in our community
Mission
The Lighthouse Ministry, Inc. is a non-profit corporation, established as a faith-based Christian outreach to the children and youth of the city of Salem, New Jersey, and to the greater Salem County area. Its purpose is to provide recreational and educational developmental programs, to develop constructive relationships, to provide responsible Christian role models and mentors, with the goal of presenting the claims of Jesus Christ and his gospel to Salem area youth and to their families.
About
The Lighthouse Learning Center is a volunteer based tutoring program for elementary students in Salem City. Since our beginning in 2007, over 90 tutors from more than 12 different churches have volunteered at least one day a week. Tutors have had many different backgrounds: retired adults, mothers of young children, junior and high school students, recent college grads, retired teachers, and pastors. Among other commonalities, they all have a love for children and a desire to make a difference.
Academically, the program focuses on helping students strengthen reading and math skills. As a faith-based non-profit program we seek to mentor students by example and encouragement. We provide nutritious after-school snacks, follow an established daily routine, and interact with the students in both group and individual sessions.
Prior to working with the students, volunteer tutors are required to fill out an application with references and complete a background check (adults). In addition, volunteers are oriented to the mission of the program and trained to use the reading materials and available resources.
Leadership training and positions are also available for motivated high school students interested in improving job related skills and earning recommendations while serving Christ in the community.