Sapphira dreams big.
I love dreamers. I love witnessing the process of a dream evolving in a young person—from an initial spark to creating something beautiful in our world for good.
Oh God, we desperately need a new generation of dreamers who will work tirelessly for a better tomorrow.
But where are dreams conceived? Where do dreams find soil for nurture and encouragement?
UrbanPromise is that place for many young people.
“I want to start my own program for special needs kids growing up in underserved communities,” shared Sapphira. “A summer internship at UrbanPromise allowed me to see this possibility.”
As a sophomore, Sapphira attends the California State University Northridge, studying Sociology and The Developmental Science of Childhood and Adolescent Development. She now studies with purpose. A summer internship in Camden helped clarify her sense of calling.
“The UrbanCorps internship created a platform for an epiphany,” she reflects. “It gave me a chance to grow and conceive a dream for my future.”
I was Sapphira’s age when I first came to Camden as a summer intern in 1985. Conceived by the late Dr. Tony Campolo—a sociology professor at Eastern University who believed in the importance of mobilizing college-age students to put their faith into action—his summer intern program provided the platform to dream and conceive of a youth outreach organization called…UrbanPromise.
I’m forever grateful for the experience.
So, I’m pretty passionate about raising $100,000 to expand our summer “UrbanCorps” program—and honor the late Dr. Campolo by renovating our house for short-term missionaries and dedicating the home in his name.
UrbanCorps members will provide mentoring and support to approximately 65 teens and 220 children across the city, and offer camp programs/activities and faith development leadership. Just think of the young leaders who will be trained and inspired in the coming decade! But I need your help to get this done.
A group of passionate former interns has pledged $23,000 to kickstart the campaign!
With your support, we can make it happen! Consider dedicating a room in the soon-to-be UrbanCorps house with names inspired by Tony’s sermons (see below) or a gift at any level.
In advance, thank you for your generosity.
Bruce Main
President and Founder