FAQs

C2k Ministries Inc. provides students with the tools and resources they need to overcome academic, social, spiritual, and physical challenges that they face.

Although open to anyone our demographics are 100% African American students, K-9 grades in Bolivar County, MS, of which 78% are at or below poverty level.

C2k Ministries and the RE>DIRECT After School Program are making a real difference right now by providing a safe, nurturing environment where children can learn, grow, and thrive outside of school hours. Through academic support, mentorship, and enrichment activities, we are helping students build confidence, develop life skills, and reach their full potential. Our programs offer a sense of belonging and stability, giving kids the tools they need to succeed both in and out of the classroom. We are also fostering meaningful relationships with families, supporting parents, and strengthening our community as a whole—creating lasting, positive change in the lives of everyone we serve.

While we have shared several stories online which can all be viewed, one story is about Devin James. We have known Devin for a long time, since he was in first grade. Devin has lived with us, been coached by Phil, loved by us, supported by us (as all kids are), and has overcome many obstacles growing up in an impoverished family. Currently he is a senior at Rust College and will graduate this fall (4 years) with a B.A. in accounting. Devin will be the first of 7 kids (also the youngest in his family) to graduate from college.

On average, approximately 40% of our funding goes directly to support our programs, with the remaining 60% allocated to necessary administrative and overhead costs. Please note that our administrative costs have remained at $50,000 total for the last 7 years. This includes paying 4 Mentor Specialists, as well as a small salary to the Executive Director as well as Business Manager who handles all our finances. This approach reflects our dedication to transparency, stewardship, and maximizing the impact of every dollar entrusted to us.

With the purchase of our property in July 2025, that is our largest expense, closely followed by our insurance.

Budget will be shared upon request

We are committed to operating with transparency and responsibility when it comes to our finances. While we work diligently to maintain financial stability through careful budgeting, donor support, and community partnerships, like many non-profit organizations, our financial situation depends on ongoing contributions and grants. Currently, we are able to meet our operational needs and continue serving our community and youth through our programs. However, continued support from donors and sponsors remains essential to ensure the long-term sustainability and growth of our mission.

1. Academic Improvement

Increase students’ grades in core subjects:

Measurement: Collect and compare participants’ report card grades or progress reports in subjects like math, reading, and science at the beginning and end of each term or school year.

Improve homework completion and quality:

Measurement: Track homework completion rates using attendance logs or homework checklists maintained by after school staff; assess homework quality through teacher feedback or rubric-based review.

Enhance students’ standardized test scores:

Measurement: Analyze pre- and post-program standardized test scores (e.g., state assessments, district benchmarks) for participating students.

2. Attendance and Engagement

Increase school attendance rates among participants:

Measurement: Monitor school attendance records for program participants and compare attendance rates before and during program participation.

Improve students’ engagement and participation in school and program activities:

Measurement: Use attendance logs for after school sessions, participation tallies for enrichment activities, and/or student self-assessment surveys on engagement.

3. Social and Emotional Development

Strengthen students’ self-confidence and self-management skills:

Measurement: Administer pre- and post-program student surveys or self-assessments focusing on confidence and self-management; use validated SEL (social-emotional learning) assessment tools.

Improve teamwork, communication, and conflict resolution skills:

Measurement: Observe and document student behavior during group activities using staff observation checklists; gather teacher and staff feedback.

Foster positive relationships with peers and adult mentors:

Measurement: Conduct surveys of students and mentors regarding the quality of their relationships; track participation in mentorship or peer support activities.

4. Behavioral Outcomes

Reduce behavioral referrals or incidents during and after school hours:

Measurement: Collect and compare disciplinary referral data or incident reports for program participants before and during participation.

Decrease rates of disciplinary action:

Measurement: Track suspensions, detentions, or other disciplinary measures for participating students over time.

5. Family and Community Engagement

Increase parental involvement in student learning and program activities:

Measurement: Record parent attendance at meetings, workshops, or events; distribute and analyze parent surveys on engagement.

Strengthen connections between families, schools, and the community:

Measurement: Track collaborative projects, community partnerships, and communication logs between families, school staff, and community organizations.

6. Enrichment and Life Skills

Expose students to new experiences in arts, STEM, health, and physical fitness:

Measurement: Keep records of enrichment activity participation; obtain student feedback on exposure to new experiences via surveys or reflection journals.

Develop life skills such as time management, leadership, and goal-setting:

Measurement: Use pre- and post-program surveys assessing life skills; collect staff observations and student self-assessments or goal-setting worksheets.

These measurement strategies combine quantitative data (grades, attendance rates, participation numbers) with qualitative insights (surveys, observations, feedback) to provide a comprehensive evaluation of each outcome area.

C2k Ministries sends out emails at least once a month with stories of children overcoming, learning, growing, being recognized for grades or awards, in or outside of our program. We will also provide Annual Reports at the end of each fiscal year to anyone that requests it.

The finances of C2k Ministries are overseen by our Board of Directors, specifically our Treasurer and Business Manger, along with our Executive Director. Our financials are handled annually by CPA and Partner of BMSS, Maura McDevitt. Together, they ensure all financial operations are transparent, responsible, and aligned with our mission. Regular reviews and accountability measures are in place, and this structure helps maintain the highest standards of integrity and stewardship in all financial matters.

C2k Ministries is led by our Executive Director and President, Phil Schank, as well as Vice President, Kym Schank who provide vision, leadership, and day-to-day management for the organization. The Executive Director works closely with our Board of Directors and dedicated team to ensure that our mission is fulfilled and that our programs have a positive, lasting impact on the community. This collaborative leadership approach helps guide C2k Ministries in serving youth and families with excellence and integrity. Phil and Kym have a strong background in working with students in the capacity of youth leaders, youth pastors, and have built this ministry from the ground up starting with their own resources. More background information available upon request.

Phil and Kym Schank started C2k Ministries Inc because they saw a pressing need to support and empower children and families in their community. Motivated by their faith and a desire to make a real, lasting difference, they founded the organization to provide a safe, nurturing environment where young people could receive mentorship, academic support, and positive role models. Their vision was to help break cycles of poverty and disadvantage by offering opportunities, encouragement, and hope—giving kids the tools and confidence they need to succeed in life. Through C2k Ministries, Phil and Kym remain dedicated to building stronger futures for youth and strengthening the entire community.

Smaller decisions are made by Phil and Kym praying for and discussing them and coming to a conclusion. Larger decisions are brought to the Board of Directors for prayer, discussion, insight, and guidance.

What keeps us up at night at C2k Ministries is knowing that there are still so many children and families in our community who need support, guidance, and opportunities to thrive. We constantly think about how to reach more kids, how to provide even greater impact, and how to ensure that our programs remain sustainable for the long term. The weight of responsibility to make a real difference—and the desire to see every child reach their full potential—drives us to keep improving and growing. We are also mindful of the ongoing need for resources, dedicated volunteers, and strong community partnerships to continue this important work. The challenges are real, but so is our commitment to never give up on the children and families we serve.

60% Individual donors

25% Grants

10% Churches

5% Businesses

If funding drops, C2k Ministries Inc. will prioritize its core programs and essential services to ensure that the most critical needs of the youth and families it serves continue to be met. The organization will assess all expenses and seek ways to operate more efficiently, which may include reducing program offerings, scaling back activities, or postponing new initiatives. Additionally, C2k Ministries Inc. will increase efforts to secure alternative funding sources through grants, donations, and community partnerships. Throughout any period of reduced funding, the organization remains committed to its mission and will work transparently with stakeholders to adapt and sustain its impact as effectively as possible.

C2k Ministries Inc.’s long-term plan is to empower youth and families in under-resourced communities by providing holistic support, educational opportunities, and mentorship. The organization aims to create sustainable programs that foster personal growth, academic achievement, and leadership development. Over time, C2k Ministries Inc. seeks to expand its impact, build stronger community partnerships, and help break cycles of poverty by equipping individuals with the tools and resources needed for lasting success. Tangibly speaking, our goal will be to transition out of a day to day leadership role in which we pass those duties on to someone that we train, develop, and trust. Timeline for that is undetermined at this time.

Over the next 3-5 years, C2k Ministries Inc. is striving to grow into a leading community resource for youth development and family support in its region. The organization aims to expand the reach and depth of its programs, serving more children and families while enhancing the quality and variety of services offered. This includes developing new educational initiatives, strengthening mentorship opportunities, and building stronger partnerships with local schools, businesses, and other nonprofits. C2k Ministries Inc. also seeks to invest in its staff, and infrastructure to better support long-term sustainability and greater community impact. There is a strong desire to pay off our facility in full and be debt free as an organization. Ultimately, the goal is to empower even more young people and families to thrive and become agents of positive change in their communities.