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Bayshore Christian Ministries (BCM) serves youth in the East of Bayshore community, meeting practical and spiritual needs through leadership training, spiritual development and life skills application. BCM programs continue to grow and effectively serve over 250 youth participants each year in small group settings with individualized attention.
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| An emphasis on long-term, deeply committed mentoring relationships results in a profound impact for the youth. Founded in 1984 and incorporated in 1987, Bayshore Christian Ministries is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) non-sectarian organization. Our programs are open to any East of Bayshore youth regardless of disability, race, religion or ethnic origin. |
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History
In the summer of 1983, a group of Stanford students studied the Old Testament book of Amos. This book raised many challenges about God’s call to seek justice and to break down barriers between the privileged and the excluded. A small group from that study felt called to respond by moving together into a community of need and ministering to the people there. A year later, this resulted in thirteen people moving to East Palo Alto and offering neighborhood-based Bible Clubs and camps for children. Encountering great practical needs, they began providing educational assistance to youth they were befriending. The ministry grew and in 1987 was incorporated as Bayshore Christian Ministries.
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Over the following years, BCM extended its outreach to include after-school tutoring, educational programs and job training. Many of the children who had started as young Bible Club members grew into young adults, often going to college with the help of BCM-provided scholarships. Several have returned to work on the staff of BCM, providing role models for younger children. |
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Facility
For many years BCM operated out of a basement in a small house, running programs in spaces loaned to it by various churches and community organizations. In 1999, as BCM entered its fifteenth year, we built a new home, funded by the generous donations of our supporters. Our two story building provides 10,000 square feet of program and office space on an acre of land. This facility has allowed the programs to expand and has increased visibility in the community.
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