User:Broadwayhopebuffalo/sandbox

Broadway Hope
Broadway Hope is a nonprofit organization that seeks to primarily serve underprivileged youth in the Western New York by providing facilities and programming that allow children to experience nature and be encouraged with a message of love and hope. We are open to other organizations as well that would like to utilize the facilities of Broadway Hope for their own programming needs. ​ Settled on 19 acres in Lancaster, New York, less than 10 miles from downtown Buffalo, Broadway Hope boasts a five-acre, multi-use field, a creek, a picnic grove, a low ropes course, an obstacle course, a 105 seat outdoor theater  and casual trails through beautiful forested countryside. ​ Currently used as a day outing facility for various groups and overnights for many groups such as Boy Scouts, youth groups, etc..., Broadway Hope plans to expand their offerings in the next 18 months to meet the needs of a greater portion of the community. Future projects hinge on the building of a pavilion, bathroom facilities, and the construction of a footbridge across the creek on the property. ​ Broadway Hope will continue to form partnerships with community groups and schools in the city of Buffalo to provide an outdoor outlet for youth and collaborate with other youth and family-centered organizations to be a catalyst of positive change in the region. ​ Broadway Hope plans to engage with youth on both an individual and familial level. Life skill building and socio-emotional skill building activities are proven to increase academic success and overall development of young people. Broadway Hope’s future facility will provide the space for a day camp, leadership training camp, nature exploration, and outings designed to create opportunities for caregivers to connect with their child in a memorable way. Family engagement is directly related to a range of benefits for youth, including improved school readiness, better social skills and behaviors, and greater likelihood of high school graduation.

History
Founders Scott Steger and his wife Becky were motivated by their faith in Jesus Christ to provide a place where youth and others could enjoy nature and its Creator… ​ They believe God has been working in all, from the initial vision to the official establishment of Broadway Hope as a nonprofit in 2009. Since then Scott, Becky, and many volunteers have hosted day outings and overnights for community groups, local churches, Boy Scouts, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and other groups and organizations. ​ Advisors and board members continue to build the infrastructure of the organization and create more opportunities to serve people. Fundraising is underway for the Pavilion Project, which will provide shelter and facilities for groups to use.

Broadway Hope's Story
By inspiration of God, Broadway Hope was a gift given to Scott and Becky Steger in the summer of 2002. Though the vision of a Christian camp was originally given in the summer of 2000 when an old farmhouse on two acres of land on a road called Pine Ridge in the town of Cheektowaga went up for sale. Upon seeing the house for sale, Scott and Becky felt God was calling them to purchase this home and property and to use it for ministry. They would bring kids in from the surrounding areas and with the help of volunteers they would share the love of Jesus through a variety of activities, special events and picnics. Scott and Becky met with the owners as well as having people who were well involved in ministry come to see the house, to share wisdom and to pray with them. The name that God gave to this vision was called Pine Ridge Hope. Over time they sought information and guidance as to how to start a non-for-profit ministry. Their desire was to be pleasing and obedient to God and His calling. On August 5th of 2000 Scott and Becky got engaged and five months later on January 6th they were married. Upon this day they moved into an apartment that was attached to an old farmhouse built in 1800. This old home sits on nineteen acres of land on a road called Broadway in Lancaster NY. A few months later, in the spring of 2001 they were informed that the old house on Pine Ridge Road sold. They were at peace and were not discouraged but believed that it was God’s will. ​ Over a year later in the summer of 2002 Scott and Becky found out that they would have the opportunity to purchase the home that they lived in. After praying for five days they received word to purchase the home and the land and to use it for ministry. The name that God gave to this vision is Broadway Hope. ​ Over time Scott and Becky realized that God used Pine Ridge Hope, two acres of land to prepare their hearts for something so much greater, Broadway Hope, nineteen acres of land. They believe that God has prepared this beautiful land for the purpose of His glory and for the salvation of young people from Western NY and beyond. ​ The journey has been an awesome and humbling experience and has touched many lives. To God be the praise, the honor, and the glory forever and ever. Amen.

https://www.broadwayhope.org