C2k Ministries Celebrates Grand Opening of RE>DIRECT Program Facility in Merigold
Students past and present, families, community officials, and board members gather to celebrate a new home for the after-school program fighting intergenerational poverty in Bolivar County.
C2k Ministries Inc., a faith-based nonprofitworking to help young people break the cycle of intergenerational poverty, celebrated theGrand Opening of its RE>DIRECT program facility at 1138 Township Road in Merigold onSaturday, October 3, 2026.
The celebration brought together current RE>DIRECT students, former students, parents,community officials, C2k Ministries board members, and neighbors from across BolivarCounty. Guests came to see the space where RE>DIRECT students now gather fourafternoons a week to learn, grow, and be mentored.
The event opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the official dedication of thefacility. Guests then toured the building, including the spaces where students receivehomework help, reading support, mentoring, Bible study, arts, and STEM activities. [Addspecific activities, e.g., student performances, food, games, or displays of student work.
C2k Ministries purchased the facility in 2025, and RE>DIRECT programming began thereabout three weeks later. The Grand Opening gave the community its first formalopportunity to celebrate the milestone together.
"Seeing our current students standing next to young people who came through this program years ago told the whole story," said Phil, Founder and Executive Director of C2k Ministries. "When you believe in a child, they begin to believe in themselves. This building gives our kids a place where they are known, challenged, and loved — and it belongs to this community."
"I don't know where I would be without this program and the love of Phil and Kym Schank.My guess is that I probably would be in jail or even dead," said Devin James, a former C2k Ministries student. "Being a Senior at Rust College, I will be the first in my family with a four-year degree."
About RE>DIRECT
RE>DIRECT is a holistic after-school program serving students in Bolivar County, Mississippi. Students meet Monday through Thursday from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. in three groups: grades K–2, grades 3–4, and grades 5 and up. The program addresses the mental, emotional, spiritual, academic, and physical challenges students face, preparing them to become leaders who change their families, communities, and the world.
About C2k Ministries Inc.
C2k Ministries Inc. is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is todevelop programs that help students fight intergenerational poverty. Learn more atc2kministries.org or call 662-371-8383.
