It started with a van, a basketball, and a heart to share the Gospel
OUR MISSION: STREETS MINISTRIES, THROUGH THE LOVE OF JESUS CHRIST, ENGAGES, ENCOURAGES AND EQUIPS YOUTH TO ACHIEVE THEIR POTENTIAL BY REALIZING THEIR GOD-GIVEN PURPOSE.
WHAT DOES STREETS MINISTRIES DO?
Engage. We recruit and train staff and mentors to develop authentic relationships with the students we serve. These relationships bear real fruit in the lives of those involved. Memphis leads the nation in “disconnected youth.” According to a recent study, more than 21% of our 16-24 year-olds are neither working nor in school. We meet students with grace and understanding. Staff and volunteers invest thousands of hours and resources to connect with our members, creating accountability and deeper relationships with students.
Encourage. We offer proven programs designed to help students achieve their full mental, physical spiritual potential. We take students on outdoor adventures – including hiking and rock climbing – opening their eyes to their own potential to overcome challenges in the setting of God’s amazing creation. And we track students’ participation and results to evaluate our programs and ensure our students receive the best support we can offer.
Equip. What could you accomplish if you had access to the right resources and opportunities? We provide what students need most to put them on the path to success. Nearly 43% of kids in Memphis live in poverty – the worst in the country. We believe that a firm spiritual foundation, a safe, positive environment and caring adults invested in their lives are what students need most to achieve their God-given potential.
In 1987, God called Ken Bennett to a life of service in one of the most desperate neighborhoods in Memphis. With the firm conviction that the only path to true and enduring change was through the hope found in Jesus Christ, Ken began STREETS Ministries with only a van, a basketball, and a heart to trust God on a daily basis. Today, STREETS operates in two Memphis locations with the help of many committed partners. Now, over three decades later, STREETS serves nearly 300 students a day providing opportunities and resources to help them find their path to academic, spiritual and physical achievement.
Watch a video tribute to Ken below.
OUR STAFF
ADMINISTRATION
Eric Ballentine
Executive Director
Contact Eric
Julie Morgan
HR Coordinator
Contact Julie
Larren Joplin
Data Coordinator
Contact Larren
DOWNTOWN LOCATION
Richard Forest, Jr.
Recreation Coordinator
Contact Richard
Terranicea Cotton
Pathways Education
Contact Terranicea
GRAHAM LOCATION
Jose Ayala
Interim Site Manager
Contact Jose
John Nawi
Sports & Outreach Ambassador
Contact John
Takedra Harris
Pathways Education Coordinator
Contact Takedra
Johna Bryant
Elementary Education Coordinator
Contact Johna
OUR LOCATIONS…
DOWNTOWN
430 Vance Ave.
Memphis, TN 38126
901.525.7380
GRAHAM HEIGHTS
1304 N. Graham St.
Memphis, TN 38122
901.525.7380
JOIN OUR TEAM
STREETS Ministries through the love of Jesus Christ, engages, encourages and equips youth to achieve their potential by realizing their God-given purpose. Our staff serve at the intersection of ministry and social justice to meet the needs of nearly 400 members every day. It’s more than a job, it’s a calling to show grace and love to the youth of Memphis while we work toward a brighter future.
• 36 years of dedicated service to communities of South City and Graham Heights
• Diverse workplace
• Daily opportunities to get in the trenches with kids and make a difference in our community.
• Uniquely positioned to work with volunteers from leading businesses and churches around Memphis
STREETS Ministries is a 501c(3) nonprofit organization with two sites located in some Memphis’ toughest neighborhoods. Founded in 1987, STREETS now serves nearly 300 students a day providing opportunities and resources to help them find their path to academic, spiritual and physical achievement.
STREETS is currently looking for talented candidates for the following roles:
• Development Manager
The Development Manager will lead strategies and activities to secure philanthropic support for the successful operation of Streets Ministries. We are looking for an experienced development professional with strong interpersonal and communication skills to develop meaningful community relationships in order to raise awareness and funding to advance the mission of STREETS. A passion to see Memphis’ youth achieve their potential and further the work of the gospel is a must!
See full job description.
• Pathways Mentor Coordinator
Help us advance our mentoring program for more meaningful mentor/mentee relationships while meeting our mission goals. We’re looking for relational, organized, effective communicators passionate about helping our youth achieve academic success. Position is paid, 40 hours per week.
See full job description.
• Part-time Recreation Staff
Help us serve kids by being part of the team that makes STREETS a fun and safe place for middle and high school students. We’re looking for high-energy individuals who want to help kids reach their full potential. Positions are paid, 25 hours a week.
See full job description.
• Recreation Intern
You bring the fun. Engage with students during rec time and help manage rec leagues by creating an encouraging and uplifting atmosphere.
See full job description.
Contact Julie Morgan, HR Coordinator, at jmorgan@streetsministries.org with any questions about job opportunities with STREETS.
OUR PARTNERS
If you are interested in partnering with STREETS and making an impact on students we serve, please contact Eric Ballentine at eballentine@streetsministries.
BOARD
Ken Bennett
SOUL for the City
Damon Conley
Brown Baptist
Scott Fleming
Fleming Architects
Eleanor French
International Paper
Will Jones
Germantown Presbyterian Church
Tim Jordan
M10 Entertainment
Andre Mathis
Butler Snow
Stephanie Brown
Ulta Beauty
Richard Meena
Montgomery Martin
Eli Morris
Hope Presbyterian
Church
Jeff Rosenblum
Rosenblum & Reisman
Amy Stack, Board Chair
ALSAC/St. Jude
McVean Trading
Rick Webb
HHM
Dan Weddle
ProTech Services Group
Kimberly Perry
Attorney