Our Mission: The Power House provides the youth of our community positive alternatives for today's negative behaviors in a safe, drug free environment surrounded by caring Christian adults.
The Power House Youth Center was created from a vision to reach teens in need. Pastors Brian Gerig and Brad Bame shared this passion with their home congregations and after much prayer came the ideal building, funding, and church support. Maplewood Mennonite Church and Central Mennonite Church agreed to purchase the building for The Power House Youth Center.
Relying on volunteers, in May of 1995 the 8,000 square foot, three-story building opened to the youth of New Haven and the surrounding communities. With a focus of building relationships, The Power House Youth Center was determined to establish beneficial programs specific to the teenagers’ needs.
Two years later, The Power House Youth Center applied for its own not-for-profit status and incorporation, which became official in May of 1997. With the help of The Paul Clarke Foundation, The Power House Youth Center was able to hire one full time and one part time director in 1998. The continued support allowed The Power House to promote both of these positions to full time in 1999 which allowed for better service for members, enhanced organization, efficient management, and overall growth.
Along with the original New Haven location, The Power House Youth Center has been instrumental in starting four other teen youth centers in the United States. The Power House Youth Center worked with local visionaries to lay the groundwork and open the doors of after school programs in Washington (IN), Macon (GA), Auburn (IN), and Lima (OH).
Thanks to the support of The Power House's Financial Partners, the mission of supporting the youth of our community with a Christian focus will last for years to come.