About Pathfinders Children's Ministry

Getting Started

Pathfinders Children’s Ministry began in 2001 as a ministry to the children who were involved in the residential recovery programs of the now defunct Center Street Mission.  In 2007, Pathfinders Children’s Ministry became a stand-alone  ministry incorporating as a non-profit Nevada corporation and was granted 501(c)(3) status.  

Who We Are

Pathfinders Children’s Ministry is a non-denominational evangelical  Christian parachurch ministry dedicated to the holistic development of children and youth in poverty. We exist to reach the inner-city at-risk forgotten children and youth of Reno and Sparks (Washoe County), Nevada with the Good News of Jesus Christ.

The Challenge

Many of these children and their parents live only for today. We believe that the Pathfinders program can help children break out of the poverty culture in which they are currently trapped by leading them to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, helping them focus on their personal responsibilities, set life goals, and guide them to plan and prepare for the future. Poverty and the living situations that go with it should not condemn a child to a life of hopelessness and lack of opportunity.

Our Friday Night Program

Our Friday night program currently uses the facilities of Sparks Christian Fellowship.  Pathfinders operates fifteen 15-passenger vans to reach the children and youth living in motels, trailer parks, subsidized apartments, shelters and foster care. We need more vans, drivers, and ride-alongs to bring more children and youth! We provide a hot, balanced meal, games, counseling, Bible study and relationship building at each weekly session.

Dedicated Team of Volunteers

Volunteers from many area churches volunteer their time and resources to the ministry. We are currently supported in various ways by 27 different local churches. The program provides wholesome recreation and Christian education in a safe and loving environment on Friday night and Saturday mornings. In addition, thanks to church and private donations, Pathfinders kids have been able to participate in many extra-curricular activities such as summer camp, academic achievement awards, flying in small planes, roller skating and more.

We Need Your Help!

Pathfinders is dependent upon the generosity of individuals to provide the funds to allow us to reach more children and youth with the hope that only comes through a relationship with Jesus Christ. (Only 12% of our financial support comes from churches).

Lives Changed

Many children and youth have been introduced to a life-long relationship with Jesus Christ through Pathfinders and several are now adults serving as leaders in the ministry.