At-Risk Youth Celebrate the Holidays Courtesy of Community Outreach Ministry

CONTACT INFORMATION
Media Contact: Community Outreach Ministry Director, Dr. Mona Salomo-Davies
Phone: 951-698-7650 (Office)
E-mail: daviesmmd1@gmail.com
Website: www.communityoutreachministry.org
Photos: Courtesy of Community Outreach Ministry
January 15, 2025

December 14 marked another festive-filled Christmas celebration for at-risk youth and family members; an annual event hosted by Dr. Mona Salomo-Davies and her husband Coach Bob. The husband-and-wife team are cofounders of Community Outreach Ministry. The nonprofit organization hosts the annual Angel Tree Christmas Party, one of numerous events for youth who have one or both parents in prison.

Murrieta Gateway Church of the Nazarene hosted the event reflecting “the true reason for this season." Fun-filled activities, holiday music, gifts and Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers – all made possible by volunteers and generous community donors – once again brought joy to the many children who attended the party. Gateway Church Pastor Renee Morales said in an email that she and her husband Pastor Eliel “were truly blessed to join with other representatives in the community to change lives one day and event at a time.”

Community Outreach Ministry has offered community resources, educational and recreational programs along with holiday-inspired events to thousands of at-risk youth for more than 20 years. With support from community partners, sponsors, donors and volunteers, the nonprofit group continues to assist youth in Southwest Riverside County between the ages of one to 18. The holiday party is set up each year by invitation only to youth of incarcerated parents who were referred by Angel Tree a Program of Prison Fellowship, Riverside County 211 and other community organizations focused on helping these children.

An outdoor activity kicked off the party this year. After the children had an opportunity to visit all booths and fill out a stamp card to win prizes, the festivities moved inside the church. The American Flag was honored while a video was aired of a performance of the National Anthem sung by Danny Gokey, the third-place finalist in the eighth season of American Idol. Assistant Angel Tree Coordinator Janice Hare, a dedicated, well-known volunteer, gave a cheerful welcome to the families – who are mostly caregivers to the at-risk youth – as she coordinated efforts to ensure that the children in attendance were all given clothing.

In addition to Hare, many other community volunteers have dedicated their time to participating in the activities and events coordinated by the Community Outreach Ministry and other organizations that work together with the ministry. Those volunteers include Forestry Technician/Fire Engine Operator and team leader Kevin Ferris at The United States Forest Service (USFS) E324 Bear Creek Station, 38900 Clinton Keith Road, Murrieta and fellow firefighters. Acting in many roles including the iconic Smokey the Bear figure, the firefighters focus on fire safety prevention and education along with career opportunities in the USFS.

The firefighters' contribution at this year's party included a YouTube video entitled Heart of a Firefighter. The video depicted the courageous efforts of firefighters battling wildfires. Another YouTube video featuring a song this christmas (joy to the world) by tobyMAC was also viewed by the guests to offer a more contemporary message on love and hope. The children and adults also watched the YouTube-animated reading of The Christmas Story by J. John; a spiritually based interpretation of the origins and meaning of Christmas from the Bible. The Christmas Party video captures the partners, sponsors, donors, volunteers, kids and families enjoying themselves at the party https://youtu.be/e9k97aI33WI

The yearly outreaches will continue with the Murrieta Police 8th Annual K9 Trials on Saturday, February 15, 2025, gates open at 11:00 am at Murrieta Mesa High School, 24801 Monroe Avenue, Murrieta. This is a Public Safety event open to the public. Community Outreach Ministry will be offering free Child ID fingerprinting kits and parenting tips by another iconic figure – “McGruff the Crime Dog” “Take A Bite Out of Crime.”

To learn more about Community Outreach Ministry follow the organization online @communityoutreachministry Facebook, Instagram or the group's website at www.communityoutreachministry.org

Readers may also email the ministry at info@communityoutreachministry.org or by calling 951-698-7650. The ministry relies on generous donors to fund scholarships for various activities such as outreach and mentoring programs for at-risk kids ages eight to 18.

Scholarships also help to fund purchase of robotic-inspired science kits distributed to children at “Gearing Up For STEM” Mentor Protégé Workshop events held throughout the year. Donations may also be made on the ministry’s website or by mailing a check payable to the Community Outreach Ministry, 23905 Clinton Keith Road Suite 114 #116, Wildomar, CA. 92595.