With the literal translation of the ancient Greek word narthex meaning the entrance to a church, and conceived by Executive Director Christopher Wurpts, the Narthex Youth Center sits behind the Church of the Master in East Mesa, and has been operating for just over a year, serving the youth of the area.
“A group of really concerned individuals, professionals and retired business people wanted to see the lives of local youth positively impacted,” said Christopher. The narthex he and the founders envision is an entry for students to become connected to positive activities and the ability to see futures for themselves.
The free program runs Monday through Friday, from 3 to 5:30 p.m. Students currently are collected by bus near three local schools—Red Mountain High School, Shepherd Junior High School and Fremont Junior High School—and most students are taken home at the end of each session. Activities include outdoor sports, as well as indoor games, such as pool, chess, air hockey and darts. Students have computer access, as well. One of the most valuable ways to spend time is by studying. Volunteers offer tutoring. Jim Moser, a retired physics professor, is one such volunteer. He now spends time helping students with homework, which ranges from spelling to math.
The main raison d’être, however, is to provide a safe, secure environment for children who sometimes have nowhere else to go if their parents or family members are still at work when regular school ends. For Vice President of the Board of Directors Tom Rennie, “This is personal.” The father of three children adopted as pre-teens added, “Growing up, I always had someone looking out for me, and now I want to do the same for others.” The Narthex Youth Center aims to do just that. “The center gives students the ability to interact with their peers in a controlled environment,” Tom continued, “to make the kids feel confident in who they are as individuals.”
According to Christopher, “Parents have commented on how their children’s grades have gone up, how they have become better adjusted and perhaps best of all, made real friendships. The genuine camaraderie between students is a real testament to the level of the feeling of community that exists here,” he further stated.
Carolyn is the mother of three boys who attend the after school program. “It is really good to know they are in a safe place,” she said. “I know they can get their homework done and still have some fun, too. All three of my sons have made friendships that I know will be lifelong.”
Meeting recently with four current 11th-graders, each was very enthusiastic about all the center has given them in terms of thinking about the next step. Christopher is passionate about getting these young adults to consider college, technical school or the military, in short, the future. “He is so helpful about all the things we need to know,” said Hailey, who wants to study microbiology.
Christopher arranged for another student, Alex, who hopes to go to China to teach English and then the United States Air Force, to use Narthex as a place for his online high school courses. Jalaya, who would like to study music business management, described how Christopher and Program Director Notiosha D’Addabbo have helped with locating scholarship information and with the endless paperwork involved. “They are ready to help with anything and everything,” said Andrew, who wants to become a registered nurse. “Notiosha really has been there for us, but she is there as our guide. We’re definitely expected to think for ourselves.”
In only one year, the Narthex Youth Center has given these children the confidence to know they are capable of great things. When they succeed, they will, in many cases, be the first of their families to attend an institution of higher learning, something of which they are going to be immensely proud.
With 50 generous initial donors making Narthex a reality, Christopher is now making inroads at Arizona State University and Mesa Community College to find tutors and assistants for both academic and social partnering programs. He is busy writing grants and applying for funding in all quarters. Currently, he is promoting Arizona Gives Day, on March 20, billed as 24 hours of unprecedented nonprofit giving. Information regarding helping Narthex in this way may be found at www.azgives.org. The center also is looking for volunteers to give time, resources and in-kind donations.
The center has positively impacted the lives of those who have become involved with their program. A nondenominational nonprofit, they welcome all students. For parents who are looking for after school options, it is worth considering the environment Narthex offers. Christopher’s words reflect his deep inner commitment to make a difference. “We want to make kids feel comfortable with who they are, identify their needs and assist in any possible way we can,” he said. “We encourage kindness and respect. We want to see them grow.”
Stop by and visit. It could just be the perfect fit for your child.
The Narthex Youth Center is located at 6659 E. University Drive. For further information, call (480) 985 0364, or visit the Web site at www.NarthexYouthCenter.com.