Director Joyce Klopp has a clear passion for the mission she serves. The building was originally part of the Davenport water systems, evident by piping they found underground and the nearby water tower. The building was vacated and became a bar called “The Brick House”. Owners eventually deserted the property and it became a space for suspected prostitution and other criminal activity.
Today it is something quite opposite. Youth for Christ took over the building 32 years ago. They wanted to expand out of Bettendorf and meet more consistently. Joyce's story began when she assisted them in moving their offices into the building on a hiatus from teaching school. She has a teaching degree and thought she would go back to that, but the education she began to provide, and continues, is beyond a traditional classroom. She stated that God changed her heart. She found great joy in helping the children in the neighborhood.
There were three churches who collaborated to offer Awana Club (designed to foster connection with loving, caring adults so kids know they belong. Bible Engagement. Learning and memorizing Scripture) to get kids off the street. They had a 15 passenger van to pick up kids from Eldridge, Bettendorf, and East Moline. Youth for Christ owned the building for 6 or 8 years and then Lydia House bought the building. They offered an alternative school and remodeled the upstairs into a home (where Joyce currently lives). Alderwoman Laura Turner led the charge. They took in pregnant women and taught them skills to give themselves a second chance. They could not sustain themselves, so Joyce and her husband bought the building in 2016 under Hope at the Brick House.
For many years she has connected with the neighborhood. It began by providing kids playing in a dirt alley with bubbles, jump ropes, and sidewalk chalk. Now they have Friday evening event for families, offering hotdogs, hamburgers, baked beans, and chips. They have a daily after school program for 25-30 kids up to 5th grade. This includes a meal, language pathology, recreation, Christian teachings, literacy, and social and interpersonal skills development. During the pandemic they figured out a way to deliver meals to families in need since they could not gather at their building. The summer program includes math skills practice, field trips, recreation, and Christian education.
Their Neighborhood Connections program not only offers a meal, but meetings for local adults to voice concerns, community resourcing, and life skills coaching for the adults in the neighborhood.
The organization is a largely supported by local churches and sponsors. They regularly apply for grants and have an annual fundraising dinner.
She shared several examples that show the impact they have. They spotlighted a staff member named TayVeona. Her mother attended programs over 25 years ago. TayVeona suffered a heart attack at the age of 8 that left her blind. Initially she could not move, eat, or do anything for herself. Through her own will and perseverance, she has become a productive adult and now works for them. She now works on getting rooms ready, fills the water cooler, prepares and serves snacks, wipes tables, and helps students with bible time, math, reading, and crafts. She has Braille resources and can see colors. She loves to bowl. They are looking for assistive devices for her, such as special glasses and a walking stick.
Check out their website listed below. Volunteer opportunities and staff positions are available. They are changing lives.
