Dubois Youth Development Program

St. Thomas Church is the principal financial support, through a Diocesan Wind and Wings Grant for youth work, of a new Dubois outreach to youth, Dubois Youth Activities.  Created to meet a great need for supervised activities for Middle School Youth in the after-school hours, the program has grown quickly. Other grants and funding is being sought to add to the start-up help from St. Thomas. The youth met at first in the church Community Room but now rent a space in the old Ramshorn Inn building that has been renovated. The youth have named their place "The Trap" (Teen Recreation Activity Program) and local funding has allowed them to plan and purchase equipment that draw more and more youth to become involved. Part of the activity involves Community Service. When the monthly delivery is made to the Community Food Bank of St. Thomas Church all those coming to the Trap that day help move and store the cases of food, learning in the process about the ministry performed.

One of the main reasons for this success is the hiring of Tom Christian as Director and Shannon Powell as Assistant Director. Both have extensive background and training in work with youth. The Board plays an active role in the development of the program. St. Thomas is represented by three Board members, one of which is experienced in fund raising.