Other dates for this site include:

Demographics

Cairo, founded in 1818, is a small town located at the confluence of the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers on the southern-most tip of the state of Illinois. The total population of Cairo at the present time is 3,632, a significant decline from almost 6,000 in 1980. A historic city, Cairo was once a booming metropolis because of its strategic river port location. However, due to the deterioration of local commerce and river industries, this town’s economy is struggling. In 1999, federal statistics reported that over 26% of Alexander County residents lived below the poverty line, and in 2000 the unemployment rate was reported at 14.2%. Today, Cairo seems to be a forgotten town, and the significant loss of community members in recent years has resulted in boarded-up, ghost-like neighborhoods. In spite of the socio-economic challenges that exist here, Cairo’s residents are a warm and welcoming people who eagerly await the ministry and presence of your teens!

About the Ministry

We focus on two primary areas of ministry: children and home improvement. Our work with children consists of a hands-on afternoon program led by your youth, known as Kids Club. Kids Club offers high-energy games, crafts, skits, songs and interactive lessons all designed to help kids learn about Jesus. Also during the week, your group will have the opportunity to do home improvement. Oftentimes families struggle to provide the bare necessities of life – maintaining a home takes a backseat when it is difficult to put food on the table. Your group’s willingness to refresh a worn out exterior of a house with a new coat of paint brings real hope and an opportunity to share the love of Christ. Along with these YouthWorks’ ministries, we partner with local organizations. Examples of ministries we have partnered with in the past include: Cairo Christian Center – a local kids’ club; Daystar Care Center and Community Outreach – a senior ministry center and thrift store; and Delta – a mentally handicap program. Participants will do two days of home improvement and two days of ministry with children, so that everyone has an opportunity to do both. Adult leaders will separate youth into ministry groups, and the youth in your group will be mixed with the youth from other groups for their week of service.

Activities

Our goal with evening activities is to provide an exposure to the unique offering of the week and community. A list of evening/cultural activities we have done in the past include: Cookout and explore scenic Fort Defiance State Park; Worship with a local church; and go swimming or bowling. These are examples of what your group might partake in during your mission week. These examples are subject to change due to weather or availability. In case of change, suitable substitutes will be provided.

Ministry Week

Two days of house painting / repair, and two days of ministry with children

Mileage

Cairo is located approximately 2.5 hours southeast of St. Louis, MO. For more information on trip distances and transportation options, call our Service Center at 1.800.968.8504.

Transportation & Travel

Each group is responsible for transportation to and from the site, and during the mission week.

Additional Information

If you would like more information on what there is to do in Cairo and surrounding areas before or after your trip, call the Cairo Chamber of Commerce at 1.618.734.2737, write to them at 222 8th St, Cairo, IL 62914 to request a complete summer information kit or you can check out the following Web sites: www.officialcitysites.org/city.php3?st=IL&cityname=Cairo&ID=4693 or www.geocities.com/Heartland/Country/2717/.