These areas are overwhelmed with hunger, poverty, violence, gangs, lack of chances for education and a lack of access to basic supplies. Poverty and danger have driven many businesses out. With so few opportunities for those who live there, they have a saying: "If you are born here, you die here." To many people, it feels impossible to overcome the obstacles that keep them down.

Most of the families we reach out to in these areas are made up of single moms with teenagers and very young children. Kids are often sucked into this destructive cycle. The closest thing to a mentor or caring adult many of them encounter often turns out to be a gang recruiter who offers them safety and helps to take care of their family.

Imagine a small child growing up on one of these blocks. Life seems hopeless. The future seems dark. But with your help, that child can get the chance to overcome the surroundings they were born into. Instead of being overwhelmed by the hunger, violence and poverty around them, they can know God's love. Instead of feeling hopeless, they can learn why we call this a land of opportunity.