Central City Lutheran Mission in San Bernardino, California

Please note: The Safe Haven website was created in 1998 and contains valuable information for ELCA congregations. However, it has not been updated and some of the information, resources and references are out of date. For more updated resources and links we would direct you to www.elca.org/safeplace and www.elca.org/legal/congregations/safeguarding.html.



Safe Haven Story: Central City Lutheran Mission in San Bernardino, California, where an after-school program provides an educational boost for kids and a job opportunity for teens who tutor them. Founded by Pastor David Kalke in October of 1996, Central City Lutheran Mission offers hot meals, after-school activities, and a safe and loving atmosphere to dozens of local children. During the summer, the program expands to fill the entire day. Every aspect of the after-school and summer program is conducted by a core group of teenagers hired to serve as peer educators to their charges. According to Pastor Kalke, many of the teens are homeless and most can barely read or write; yet, when they are entrusted to teach younger children, the teens are highly motivated to improve their own basic skills. Improving skills was one motivation to offer Central City Lutheran Mission’s after-school and peer education curriculum in both English and Spanish. In addition, this summer, a Mexican teacher will join the staff for seven weeks. In September, another Mexican teacher will teach a full Spanish curriculum for the school year. Central City’s teen leaders are quickly becoming respected leaders in their own community- leaders to whom younger children look to and admire. “They’re helping create a new sense of community, of security, of belonging in the Central City neighborhood.” says Pastor Kalke. .For more information: contact Pastor David Kalke, Central City Lutheran Mission 1354 North G. Street, San Bernardino, CA 92401. Call, (909) 381-6921.