Long-time friends of Abraham Fiseha and supporters of Youth Impact created Ethiopian Impact in 2017. This non-profit organization is based in the U.S. and partners with Youth Impact to communicate with American donors and help grow support for the organization.
Youth Impact continues to evolve and grow in order to fulfill the mission of bringing lasting change into the lives of at-risk youth and helping them become who God wants them to be. Physical, emotional, academic, and spiritual support is provided, along with character education and skills training.
Hope Center
Hope Center is a residential program for young boys/men living on the streets of Addis Ababa. Twelve to 18 boys are invited to join the program every 18 months. Youth Impact provides their basic needs along with instruction in manners, hygiene, and most importantly, spiritual development. The relationships established with program staff are central to the growth of these young men. Students are provided support and financial means for education and/or skills/job training.
Shalom Center & Impact Library
Shalom Center and Impact Library are two properties situated at the edge of the two different slums where children in the neighborhood are identified and invited to participate in the after-school program. Youth Impact provides financial resources for the children to attend school (e.g., clothes, books) and offers daily support by program staff. Children receive a meal, homework assistance, and spiritual instruction, as well as develop friendships with staff and other children. The following infuses the work at the centers:
- Character
- Spiritual Life
- Volunteerism
- Knowledge
- Skill
Lasting Impact
To date, hundreds of children have been supported by Youth Impact – establishing relationships with Jesus, receiving basic physical needs and education, and learning how to serve others. Many of these children grow up and return to help the current students in the program by mentoring and growing the community. Many graduates are now business, ministry, and community leaders leading productive lives in Ethiopia. They consider each other family and gather together regularly to celebrate and support each other.
