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Local pastor urges council to expand programs for at‑risk youth, highlights school funding gaps
Summary
Pastor Regina of New Life Outreach Ministries told the council she runs New Life Uplifted School at 708 South Street, serves about 60 children weekly and shelters several students, and appealed for council support to create programs for ages 14–18 and help with scholarship shortfalls.
Pastor Regina, who leads New Life Outreach Ministries and New Life Uplifted School, told the Clinton City Council she operates a private, faith‑based program at 708 South Street that serves about 60 children weekly and houses several at‑risk youth.
"I can only house 52 because of the capacity of my building," Regina said, and described scholarship shortfalls: she said the program’s per‑child cost is about $8,000 and only about 15 of roughly 50 enrolled children receive scholarships. She described taking guardianship of children in need and urged the council to consider programs for 14‑ to 18‑year‑olds, noting a lack of affordable recreation and membership barriers to places such as the YMCA.
The appeal framed the program as both an educational and safety intervention: Regina said staff feed attendees weekly, provide supervision and that some students have gone on to work or military service after her program’s interventions. "Whatever it takes to keep him out of the street, I'm gonna do it," she said, describing efforts that led one former student to join the U.S. Army.
Council members listened and thanked Regina for her work; no formal council action followed from the comment period. Regina’s remarks provide local detail on unmet needs, scholarship gaps and demand for after‑school and teenage programming that council members and staff may consider as they plan youth services and budget priorities.
The council proceeded to its regular agenda after the public comment period.
