HOUSE OF PRAYER EDUCATIONAL CETNER NEAR COMPLETION

Members of House of Prayer hope completion of a new educational center in the near future will mean better opportunities for Cape Girardeau's youth.

Just over a year ago, church officials purchased a nearby house at 712 N. Independence but had no clear plans for the property.

The church was able to purchase the property because of the successful SlamFest basketball tournament held annually at Indian Park. The tournament has become increasingly popular in the past seven years and raised more than $12,000 for the new youth center.

"We talked about tearing it down, but just weren't sure what we wanted to do," said the Rev. Jo Anne McCauley.

After research was conducted by youth minister J. Scott Porter, members learned that with a little work the building could be converted into a center that could "provide interesting programs and services that are applicable and practical to everyday existence."

The church called upon the Southeast Missouri Home Builders Association and St. Vincent de Paul Parish, and work began to completely remodel the building to create the House of Prayer Educational Youth Domestic Center.

The center is now about 90 percent complete and should open before the end of the year.

"We found out about it from a board member through her church," said Greg Nolan, president of the home builders association. "We try to do one community project per year to give back to the community."

Nolan said most of the 90-plus members of his association have volunteered labor, equipment and supplies to remodel the building. Besides adding siding, a new back porch and roof, ramps and handicap accessible walkways, the building also has been completely rewired and received new windows and flooring.

"It was a massive project," said Porter. "To see what they've done has truly been amazing."

McCauley said the new center will house a number of different programs, including Jr. Achievement, a homework and literacy center, and training classes in spiritual, domestic, conflict resolution and career development.

The mission of the center, which McCauley calls "a spiritual-based ministry to give kids a positive influence", works to meet the needs of the church's membership. More than half of the congregation is under the age of 21.

Even so, the church will not work solely with its members. "We're not just reaching one culture. We're trying to reach all kids," said McCauley.

The key to the center will be varied programming in order to reach youth at their level.

"We feel that every child is capable of learning, but you've got to find that pathway to their mind," said McCauley. "Once they find out they can do something good, then they desire to do something more.

"We've been visualizing something for the youth for a long time, and now it's close to becoming a reality," she said.