Did you know Mercer County has the largest caseload of abused and neglected children in the state? Sadly, we also rank fourth in juvenile delinquency. Over half of middle schoolers have tried smoking, and one-third have used marijuana. About 1/13 of adults in our community have less than a ninth grade education.

Currently, one in five adults in Mercer County lack a high school diploma. Average income is $14,000 less than the national average, and one in every five individuals lives below the poverty line (double the national average). Unless something is done, the children raised in this climate do not have a fair chance at success when they grow up.

What can be done? We don't claim to have a perfect fix for all the challenges our community faces, but we do want to be part of the solution. We exist to help children and teens grow physically, intellectually, emotionally and spiritually. The programs you can read about below are each designed to target these domains. Even more importantly, they give kids the chance to interact with role models and mentors who teach healthy living, peaceful conflict resolution, good decision making, goal-oriented behavior, and more.


CURRENT PROGRAMS AT WADE:

 

Our new after-school program lasts until 8 p.m. every Monday through Thursday. We offer homework help, recreation, and then dinner. In the evenings, students choose from sports instruction, music lessons, art classes, and more! For more information, see our AFTERSCHOOL INFO CENTER.		  

 



Wednesday nights from 8 until 10 p.m., Wade hosts the College Connection Cafe. We serve free coffee and low-priced specialty drinks. Come meet new friends and reconnect with old ones. Bring books if you want to study, and bring your laptop because we now offer free wireless Internet access too!

  
 



Our youth director, Daniel, created "The Spot," a place for teens to hang out. His group discusses movies, paints, draws, plays fun games, and talks about important teen issues! Recently, this group has worked with local charities to clothe and feed those in need locally and in all parts of the world!

  
 



Although our primary goal is helping prepare children and teens for a successful future, we also offer classes for adults. Recent offerings have included "Dining with Diabetes" and basic computer skills classes. This fall, we will offer classes on parenting skills! If interested, e-mail or call us today!

 
 



A new class for parents meets for dinner and discussion on Wednesdays at 6:00 p.m. Brian provides help for common issues parents face, such as discipline, anger management, dating, finances and health. Those who complete the class will receive Christmas gifts for their family!

 
 



A key element in spiritual growth is reaching out to others to show the love of God. The Wade Center provides a perfect place for out-of-town groups to do this, offering opportunities both in community improvement and relational ministry. For the details, visit our URBAN APPALACHIAN PROJECT INFO CENTER.

 
 



The school system makes sure all children have good breakfasts and lunches throughout the week. Wade provides a wonderful dinner during after-school. But what about the weekends? Our new backpack program sends students home on Thursdays with a backpack full of healthy food for the weekend!

  
 



In a partnership with Bluefield State College, we now offer the Ford Partnership for Advanced Studies (PAS) program for area high school students. These students learn business, economic, engineering and technological skills in unique, real-world learning opportunities.

  
 



During the summer, we offer camps each week. These camps last from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. every weekday. In the morning, we focus on learning through experience, and after lunch, we offer a variety of safe, supervised recreational options for the students. For more information, please visit our SUMMER CAMP INFO CENTER.

 
 



About 1.4 billion people today live in utter poverty, meaning they lack the basic necessities to survive. The first step to solving the problem is understanding it. For that reason, we offer poverty simulation weekends. You'll leave seeing the world differently! For the details, visit our POVERTY SIM. INFO CENTER.

  
 



We have developed a new program for male teenagers who find themselves in trouble with the law. The diversion program aims to break the cycle of crime by teaching them valuable life skills in the context of mentoring relationships. The program also includes community service work during the week.

 
 



Wade Student Ministries now offers a worship service for high school students called "Wildfire" on Thursday nights at 7 p.m. A small group for teenagers called "Wild4BrkFst" is also offered on Sunday mornings at 10 a.m. For more information on Wade Student Ministries, see MYSPACE.COM/WILDFIREWV.

  
 



Wade now offers a variety of sports camps for students who want to take their skills to the next level. Staffed by college athletes, these camps provide individual and group training in specific skills and abilities. For more information, call 323-3777 and ask for Athletic Director James Green.

 
 



Our banquet facilities are now available for rental by the community. We offer a great catering service at an affordable price on location. Our gourmet cooks can also cater events at your location. And all the proceeds benefit Wade's work with at-risk youth! For more information, see our CATERING INFO CENTER.