Latest news with #EikonMinistries
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Memphis nonprofit provides safe haven and aid for men in need
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Every Tuesday, as part of our Greater Memphis on a Mission series, we highlight organizations making Memphis better. This week, we caught up with a group that believes in stability and 2nd chances. Justin Frakes was homeless and living in his van when he heard about Brotha 2 Brotha, a drop-in center located in Binghampton that proved a safe and supportive space for men facing life challenges. 'Shows that somebody cares, you know? Someone will listen to you and not treat you like crap,' said Frakes. 'Helped me get back on my feet. I'm not stuck in the cycle no more. That was a big advantage.' Eikon Ministries: Shaping Memphis leaders, one child at a time Dennis Boyd is the founder and executive director. 'Some guys are battling with drug addiction, homelessness, just getting released from jail. Just having a hard time and need a helping hand,' said Boyd. Every Tuesday from 6 to 8 p.m., they offer a meal, clean clothes, toiletries, and an opportunity to take a hot shower. For Boyd, those offerings are intentional. 'For me, personally, my background, I've been homeless before. I know how it is to go hungry or not know where your next meal is going to come from. Not knowing if I can get a hot shower,' said Boyd. For Frakes, the availability of hot showers was a lifeline. 'I had food all the time. Food wasn't the problem, but a shower was the one thing I didn't have. I would come religiously every week,' he said. 📡 for Memphis and the Mid-South. 📧 and have the latest top stories sent right to your inbox. Thanks to the helping hand of Brotha 2 Brotha and the Binghamton Development Corporation's business hub, Frakes has a full-time job and is no longer homeless. Boyd makes sure everyone who walks in the door is treated with dignity. 'When we sit down, we're talking Brotha 2 Brotha. No judgment. I'm here for you. How can I help, or if I can't help, I know somebody that can help,' Boyd said. That is why Brown Missionary Baptist Church and the Mid-South Genesis CDC donated $1,000 to Brotha 2 Brotha. Because when life's struggles knock you down, they will help lift you back up. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Eikon Ministries: Shaping Memphis leaders, one child at a time
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Every Tuesday, as part of our Greater Memphis on a Mission series, we highlight organizations making Memphis better. This week, we caught up with a group that believes in building leaders from the inside out. Willie Baldwin met Roy Campbell, who goes by the nickname 'Soup', when he was only 10 years old. Willie was outside playing basketball, Soup was just starting Eikon Ministries. 'If this man hadn't saw the potential for me in my life enough to take me under his wing and to mentor disciple to my life, I wouldn't be here,' said Baldwin. Recycling ehances economic opportunities with on-the-job training program 'I pulled up on that tree, and I had Jesus paint across the tailgate. And when they looked like they were really hot and thirsty, I called them over to my truck and I said, 'Hey, would you like some donuts and some juice?' They said, 'Yes,' and I said, 'Well, can I share the most important thing that ever happened in my life?' And they allowed me to share that,' said Soup. Fast forward 36 years — Willie is still with Soup as his assistant director of Eikon Ministries. Eikon Ministries has grown into an organization that builds leaders who will change their communities from the inside out. 'I began to see a void in the training of the next generation of leaders. And I said, 'We've got to do something about that,'' Soup said. Strategically located in Binghampton, Soup has done just that with numerous programs that serve boys and girls ages 4-18. Willie created 'Club Nathan' as part of the Nathan Street Ministries. 'It's a safe haven for kids to come and hear the gospel, different relationships are being developed. We feed them,' said Baldwin. Team Eikon is a basketball team that uses the game to mentor, share the gospel, and encourage good grades. They also offer a summer job program, which is a way for students to earn and learn. 'We hire about 30 kids every summer here in the neighborhood. We paid them $225. We teach them life skills, cutting grass, going into the community, cutting debris down from people's backyards. We teach entrepreneurship, interview etiquette, checking and savings accounts,' said Baldwin. 📡 for Memphis and the Mid-South. 📧 and have the latest top stories sent right to your inbox. Marcus Mcree's son and daughter grew up attending Eikon Ministries. He was so impressed with the organization, he ended up becoming the assistant coach of Team Eikon. 'When kids are with other kids, they learn faster when you start talking about things that they see. So if you have one kid, man is cool to come to our Eikon Ministries and do the things we do, all the kids want to join,' said Mcree. That is why Brown Missionary Baptist Church and the Mid-South Genesis CDC donated $1,000 to Eikon/Nathan Street Ministries. Because when all the kids want to join, you are building a stronger community from the inside. Eikon Ministries is currently in need of a reliable suburban or a similar SUV to transport kids to their programs. If you can help them out or would like to learn more about the group, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
