
Lifeline
"Through these doors walk the greatest kids in Elkhart."
-Irv Polk, Founder
94% of Students indicate that connectedness improves their academic performance
Sense of security and comfort | Increased motivation | Increased retention
The presence or absence of a nurturing
environment during childhood alters brain development.
after school clubs
Tutoring
Athletics, trips
Summer camp
Games, fun, time
Meals
Character lessons
Small group mentoring
internships
High school interns
Corporate engagement
Connection to colleges
Training for college
trades skills training
Restore historical homes
Beautify downtown
Job income
At-risk skill development
Career preparation
career opportunities
Life skill training
Financial training
Renew housing jobs
Lifeline jobs
Home provision for graduates and single moms
The Lifeline Impact
the Lifeline difference during the pandemic
why Lifeline

"no significant learning happens without a significant relationship"
- Dr. James P. Comer

Connection Primes Learning
There is a misperception that education is the only primary element youth need to prepare for success in life.
The research completed and reported by Dartmouth in Hardwired to Connect states that there is a scientific case for the need for Authoritative Communities which are groups that live out the types of connectedness that our children increasingly lack.
This is primarily accomplished by providing committed relationships over time with youth who model what it means to be a good person and live a good life.
The report states, as we have experienced, that with these relationships, learning can be engaged and sustained to lead to a life of meaning and success.

learn more about our amazing team
Each day, our team serves to make a difference in each student's life.
Full of servant hearts and minds, our team continually innovates to provide K-12 programs for boys and girls in partnership with our local schools.


Our Impact
Research shows that youth participation in quality out-of-school time programs is linked to significant gains in standardized test scores and work habits, as well as reductions in behavior problems among disadvantaged students.
5 yrs
high schoolers average length of time with lifeline
398
Annual youth served of 463 Club Signups
80%+
Annual Camp Attendance of 135 Students
190
Weekly Meals Served
+70 Snacks
about Lifeline
Lifeline is a full-cycle of engagement ministry that provides a safe,
family-like atmosphere for youth from 3rd-12th grade.
While at club, youth can enjoy a variety of activities: gym time, games, tutoring and the friendship of others. They receive a Bible lesson and participate in a small group interaction as it relates to the lesson. Club members also get the opportunity to earn points redeemable for prizes. Prizes can be anything from a bag of Takis up to Bikes. It all depends on how motivated they are.
Our mission
Our Vision
Serving inner city youth by demonstrating the love of God & communicating His message to see lives transformed.
To share God’s love by providing inner city youth with caring role models, teaching basic life skills, developing student leaders and connecting students to their local schools and churches.

Visit Us
174 State Street Elkhart, IN 46516
P.O. Box 73 \ Tel: 574-294-7407
OFFICE HOURS
Mon - Fri Office Hours: 10am- 3pm