asset-based community development

What I love about Youth Art Team:

It's an example of asset-based-community-development (ABCD). Individuals and the team consider the gifts and ideas they already possess to offer the community, as well as what God can create new from their collective effort to build a better community.

On this field trip to Des Moines, IA, on Saturday, the team had time to learn, be inspired, have fun, and to dream about what they might do next together that would help create greater beauty, health, and wholeness in Waterloo-Cedar Falls.

The girls outside of the Des Moines Art Center. We had a great tour inside!
We toured Freedom for Youth Ministries and saw what some of the students were making and selling in their welding shop.
Here, in the woodworking shop at Freedom for Youth Ministries, a student named Swedie, showed a few of the Art Team a fish-shaped chair that he's been learning to make and sell.
We also learned about the coffee roasting business that Freedom for Youth students have begun. They sell the coffee to local churches and businesses in the Des Moines area.
The Pappajohn Sculpture Park in Des Moines had amazing sculptures (and an awesome hill to roll down besides!)
Our field trip ended with a Camera Scavenger Hunt around downtown Des Moines. Here, one of the art team members fulfilled this item, "Take a picture of an art team member who looks as tall as the Principal Building, Iowa's tallest building."
Thanks, Des Moines, for helping us experience God's beauty and creativity together in your city!