Changing the Direction of At-Risk Youth
January 16, 2022 | By Jessa McClure
Luminary Ministries supports, equips at-risk youth
When you walk into BFI Treasures Gift Shop on Crestway Road, you will see handmade arts and crafts, jewelry, custom made items, resale items, engravings, and more. But what you won’t see are the people behind these items; the at-risk youth who create or sell these “treasures” to break generational cycles and reach lofty goals.
These entrepreneurs are the product of programs set up and executed by Luminary Ministries, a non-profit that seeks to positively impact the community and see families thrive.
“Luminary really started out of God’s plan and something that’s been on my heart for a long time,” Jennifer Rodriguez, Executive Director says. “I worked with teen parents, and saw a lot of kids, especially those aging out of the foster care system, lose all of their support when they turned 18. They had nowhere to go.”
Jennifer Rodriguez - Executive Director
Many at-risk young adults who launch into the real world with no support system can end up falling prey to sex traffickers or other dark paths.
“So, we decided to not only start a 501 (c)3 to serve teen parents, but all at-risk youth ages 12 to 25,” she says.
Rodriguez and her team were ready to hit the ground running with their ministry after obtaining their non-profit status, but God told her something surprising—Jennifer, start a marketplace.
“I was like, ‘What? I’m a missionary. I want to do ministry. But I was like, okay, Lord. I’m going to trust you.”
The marketplace opened at the beginning of 2019 and was named after Rodriguez’s grandmother—Beatrice Flores Ibarra (BFI), who was known for handmaking clothing for her daughters and granddaughters and inspiring creativity in the community.
“It’s almost set up like a craft mall, but we call it an entrepreneur hub,” Rodriguez says.
The first year was going well, and then the pandemic hit. Instead of giving up and putting a hold on their plans, Luminary Ministries began helping their vendors learn how to market their products through social media and hone their business skills.
“We had one young man, who’s 15, who has a sister that requires a full-time nurse and needed a private room built onto the family home,” she says. “So, he raised money by selling T-shirts, tumblers, decals and wallets.”
In just a few weeks, the boy had raised enough money to pay a contractor to build the much-needed room.
“It’s stories like this that make everything we do worth it,” Jennifer says. “We get to work with these kids who are already doing amazing things and then give them the tools to grow their businesses.”
Another student of the Luminary Ministries’ programs is also using her skills to pursue financial freedom and stability for herself and her children.
Lexi (in the middle) with our Office Manager
Assistant Cecily Moreno and Felicity Navarro.
Lexi is one of our amazing students that
is job training in our BFI Treasures Gift Shop
“We hired a young mom to do photography and social media, but she has learned enough about business to practically run the gift shop for us,” Rodriguez says. “She does this while going to nursing school. We’re proud that we’re able to support her while she’s finishing her training and pursuing her passions.”
But the ministry doesn’t just give young adults the chance to practice their entrepreneurship skills, it also speaks to their hearts and gives them the hope that comes from coming to know a loving savior.
“One of our partners is True Love of Jesus. They teach the young people how to be sons and daughters first and what it means to be an apostle and an evangelist where God has called them to be.”
Rodriquez says Luminary plans to start regular Bible studies for young adults in the New Year, as well as provide more resources and support for children aging out of the foster care system. Growth means a larger space is needed. The ministry hopes to raise enough funds to purchase a bigger location.
“We are really here to equip and send them wherever God chooses them to be—whether it’s in ministry or in the medical field or in the marketplace,” she says. “We want them to know that anything’s possible with God.”
Donate. The ministry also runs a food pantry, so, donations of baby items and food are always appreciated.
Volunteer/Mentor. If you are looking for a place to serve others and give hope to at-risk youth, consider becoming a volunteer or mentor. Having a consistent person in their lives can make a huge difference to a young adult. If you’re interested, visit the website, and click on the Volunteer/Mentor tab.
Pray. Ask God to send this ministry the right volunteers and business/organizational partners.
Give. Luminary is raising funds for a larger location that will help them reach even more young people in San Antonio. Monetary gifts are always appreciated, and consistent monthly gifts help to keep the ministry running all year long.
WRITTEN BY
Jessa McClure
I am a passionate writer with an interest in writing for Christian audiences. I am also a mother of three, pastor’s wife, and children’s ministry coordinator.
