Contact: Rachel Elwood, World Gospel Mission, 765-671-7255

STOCKTON, Calif., April 20 /Christian Newswire/ -- Located in San Joaquin County, Stockton, California, is one of the most dangerous cities in the nation. NeighborScout.com, an online service providing city details for potential residents, rates Stockton safer than only 2% of American cities. But one organization is changing that. The Center, a ministry of missionary-sending organization World Gospel Mission (WGM), recently opened a brand new building for area youth to receive help with homework, participate in recreational services, and learn about Jesus Christ.

Located in south Stockton since the early 1960's, The Center opened the doors to a new facility on April 6th, 2010. The staff sees the new building as a step forward in reducing crime in the area as the children and youth they help would otherwise be out on the streets and likely recruited into gang and drug activity. The Center's staff operates under the motto "Giving faith, hope, and love to inner-city kids and their families."

Hubert Harriman, President of WGM, spoke at the dedication service where staff, kids, parents, supporters, local church members, and volunteers gathered to commemorate the opening of the new building.

"When you first look at the building, you see walls, windows, a shiny new kitchen, and great new amenities," said Harriman. "But then you see the children, and you see the possibility of lives being restored and claimed for Jesus Christ. That's what the new Center is all about -- changing the direction of Stockton, one child at a time."

In addition to the after-school program, staff at The Center also provides pastoral family counseling and compassionate ministries, offering food, clothing, and emotional and spiritual support to needy families. Most youth who come to The Center come from single-parent households, making them particularly at-risk for gang activity.

"The new building is a tool," said The Center's Director, Bob Margaron. "Our goal is to build relationships with the kids and help them find their worth in Jesus Christ. The new Center will allow us to greatly expand what we are already doing."

For more information and to learn how to help Stockton youth, please visit www.wgm.org/thecenter.  

About World Gospel Mission
World Gospel Mission disciples believers to become missions-active Christians. As an interdenominational missions organization, WGM partners with individuals, small groups, college groups, and churches to intentionally address the physical and spiritual needs of individuals and communities. Learn more here.