05/12/2026
Hello Everybody,
One of our most vital program for area youth is The Edge Teen Center being open every Saturday evening.
The Edge has had quite the journey.
We’ve had to close The Edge … reopen… and close the Edge again.
The quote that comes to mind when I think of this unusual journey is:
We can’t change what has already happened, we move forward, continue and focus on the present.
The Edge Opens in June!
I think you need to know all the “adventures” that The Edge has had to endure…
2020: Like many others, COVID-19 shut us down. But we didn’t stop. We worked behind the scenes, made repairs, and continued serving youth through community service and internships at His Ministries, The Edge, and the thrift stores.
2021: Reopening was delayed because we lost volunteers (yes, we missed you!). While recruiting, we completed the donation center and did some remodeling.
2022: We finally reopened—and everything looked great!
Early 2024: Then… the unexpected. The drop ceiling came down (literally fell down). Fundraising began, along with the search for the right crew. Thanks to amazing volunteers who cleaned up and supporters who gave, the repairs were completed by the men from Recovery for Christ. Turns out, years of water leaks had caused more damage than we realized—so new ceilings, wiring, and lights were all needed.
THEN… just when we thought we were ready… a storm rolled through and—boom—an electrical surge took out The Edge heating/air unit and the phone. Back to fundraising we went!
And if you think that’s the end… NOT EVEN CLOSE.
Next came the attack of a gazillion maggots and flies. Yes, really. A mouse (or rat—we didn’t interview it) had made its final resting place in the brand-new ceiling. You just can’t make this stuff up.
2025: We reopened AGAIN. It was a slow start, but we were getting there. Then my foot said, “Not so fast.” After ongoing issues, I had surgery in October last year and had to stay off my foot for three months—which meant another temporary closure.
The good news? My surgery went well, and we now have a few volunteers back and have partnered with the R.O.P.E.S. training interns.
YooHoo! I’m excited to say The Edge will reopen on June 20th, 2026!
Now here’s where you come in—we need working volunteers (yes, the kind that show up ��). I’ll also be starting a youth group soon, and we need adults too.
If you’re interested in volunteering, please message me!
Opening Every Saturday Night: Saturday, June 13, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
The Edge Opening Day Flyer Attached. Please Share.
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I will close by saying, One of the ways we do that is through The Edge—a teen center and music venue where music is on a mission. It’s a safe place for youth to hang out, connect with friends, and build positive relationships with mentors.
If you’d like to support what we’re doing, a great way to help right now is by giving toward a newer van for His Ministries. The van is a vital part of our mission. We use it to pick up our working youth when needed and for mission outreach.
Thank you for being part of the mission! ❤️
Help us to purchase a newer van?
GoFundMe - https://gofund.me/6f503640d
If you have any questions please message me here on facebook or email me at [email protected].
~Shirley
Thank you for your support that keeps His Ministries strong - every contribution - no matter the size counts!
If you'd like to Make a Donation Online Click Here
If you prefer, you can send a check (made out to His Ministries) to 407 Wood Ave., Big Stone Gap, VA 24219.
I love hearing from you and grateful to you for taking the time to read my emails. THANK YOU!
Shirley Smith, BS, CSAC, PRC
President / Director, His Ministries, Inc.
407 Wood Ave E, Big Stone Gap, VA 24219
(276) 523-7447
[email protected]
Hi, I'm Shirley Smith, and I'm reaching out to help raise support $12,000 for … Shirley Smith needs your support for Help Us Keep Serving — We Need a New Van!
