Hamakua Place transitions to ONEighty Ministries

Hamakua Place is sporting a new name ? ONEighty Ministries. The organization celebrated its seventh anniversary in July, and after much prayer and seeking input from the young adult leaders, they decided a change was in order. The name change reflects the vision on ONEighty Ministries: Turning My Life Around = 180 degrees.

"We strive to help students turn their lives around, make positive life choices and grow deeper in their faith," the ministries' September newsletter states.

The teen center will now be known as the ONEighty Teen Center. The interior of the building has been redecorated with recycled pallets, corrugated steel and paint, giving the center a new, contemporary, more youthful look.

A new employee has joined the staff. Kristal Gravert of West Branch will be working as program coordinator and she will share administrative duties. She will help lead worship and small group sessions on Wednesday nights.

Cradle of Hope, a pregnancy resource center, will offer free pregnancy testing, counseling, child development, parenting classes and a support group at the ONEighty Teen Center on the first Thursday of the month from 2 to 5 p.m. For more information or to make an appointment, call the main office in Mt. Pleasant at 319-986-5336 or drop by.

The crisis housing (for teens and families) hotline received over 70 calls from January to July 2014. The center was able to assist nine families (12 individuals). The center is receiving more calls from adult men who are homeless. The facility also provided housing for two mission teams (40 students and eight adults) traveling through the Washington area, and three Christian bands. The Crisis Housing Hotline number is 319-591-1950.

The ONEighty Teen Center is offering expanded programming that includes homework help, LifeSkills classes, Soul Cafe, Yoga, gaming tournaments, arts and crafts, open mic nights and more. Teens have a place to explore tough subjects, such as bullying, relationships, self-esteem, and stress management. Check out the calendar on www.oneightyia.com.