Community Investment Fund Spotlight: Abundant Life Christ Centered Ministries

Get ready to be inspired! Learn to Earn Dayton Communications Intern, Caitlyn Russell, is sharing exclusive stories from the recipients of our Community Investment Fund. Discover the innovative ways these investments are shaping a brighter future for Dayton.

Abundant Life Christ Centered Ministries (CCM) is dedicated to making childhoods memorable for children in Dayton through academic or recreational experiences. With over 20 years of service, Abundant Life CCM has been focused on community outreach specifically in the last three years.

Over the last two years, Abundant Life CCM has been supported by Learn to Earn Dayton’s Community Investment Fund (CIF), supported by Blue Meridian Partners and local philanthropic organizations, which aligns with the ministry’s mission to improve education and well being in Northwest Dayton. The initial round of investment went to the construction of a new playground built on the church’s property, providing a safe play for the children to play after school and during summers, along with a pilot after school program at Belle Haven and summer program held at Abundant Life CCM in 2024. Hernika Campbell, Abundant Life CCM Program Administrator talked about the importance of this resource, “We're glad to be able to have that space here, for the community to come in and the children to play after school, during the summers.”

The ministry recently wrapped up its third annual six-week STEAM-based summer camp for kindergarten through sixth-grade students. This free program offers breakfast, lunch, engaging activities, and educational field trips. Certified teachers, volunteers, and guest speakers provide a safe learning environment. Highlights included visits from The YMCA of Greater Dayton's ‘Y on the Fly’ program, weekly yoga sessions, and field trips to locations like the National Museum of the US Air Force and Learning Tree Farm. This year the team served 31 campers. Campbell discussed that the camp allows students to “keep learning, have fun, and just be kids in a safe, loving environment.”

Abundant Life is also deeply invested in academic success during the school year through its partnership with Belle Haven Elementary School and Dayton Public Schools. Their after-school tutoring program, held twice a week, offers one-on-one and group support in reading and math.

“Our number one goal is to support academic growth,” Campbell explains. “The after-school tutoring program has become a safe place where students are getting the support they need to grow.”

Teachers at Belle Haven report that the added small-group time is providing students with the extra support needed to make meaningful progress. Additionally, students participating in the afterschool program have increased their overall school attendance by 35%. This focused approach is helping students meet early academic milestones while also nurturing a love for learning.

Beyond their youth programs, Abundant Life CCM is deeply committed to uplifting the entire Dayton community by extending their outreach to individuals and families facing food insecurity. The ministry has prepared and delivered over 300 fresh meals to individuals in recovery and provides groceries to under-resourced families. By eliminating transportation barriers, these efforts ensure that households have essential food items and support.

Looking ahead, Abundant Life CCM is focused on expanding its reach to serve more children and families. While grant funding and donations are crucial for sustaining their programs, especially the after-school tutoring, the team hopes to expand to more grade levels and potentially partnering with more schools. As Campbell stated, their goal is to “to keep doing what we’re doing, reach more families, support more children, and give them the tools to succeed.”