Our Mission
Founded in 2021, Positive Thinking Youth Ministry is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission to share the good news of Jesus Christ through youth sports and business startup initiatives.
About us
As a unique entry in the youth services industry, Positive Thinking Youth Ministry provides a needed service that ensures mission fulfillment for more clients.
Founder Gary Cowell grew up with a rough background. He is the youngest of eight children and spent much of his life incarcerated. During his time in jail, Mr. Cowell witnessed many young Black men entering the penal system and decided to make a difference by preventing future youth from making harmful choices.
Mr. Cowell formed Positive Thinking Youth Ministry to help youth explore opportunities and make better choices. He desires to prevent other youth from following the same path he did.
Problems Worth Solving
Today’s youth grow up in an increasingly challenging world where religion wanes, and depression rises.
A 2020 report from The Canadian Journal of Psychiatry identified that “depression and anxiety are among the most common mental disorders in children and youth.” These conditions lead to increased risks for suicide among young people. Unfortunately, due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, youth lost access to many support systems and regular routines. As a result, “these losses may worsen depressive symptoms and may further entrench the social withdrawal, anhedonia, and hopelessness that are already part of these disorders.”
Further emphasizing the point, a 2021 review of 29 global studies involving 80,879 youth indicated “the prevalence of depression and anxiety symptoms during COVID-19 have doubled.”
In addition to increased risks of anxiety and depression, youth are less engaged in church and religious activities than previous generations. A 2020 survey indicated that while 40% of teens aged 13 to 17 believe in God, only 24% consider religion very important in their lives. Additionally, only 44% of teens indicated attending religious services at least once a month. At the same time, 45% of youth surveyed indicated they believe many religions may be true.
Gary Cowell
CEO / Founder
Dorothy Smith
Treasurer
Adam Bless
Secretary
Programs
Positive Thinking Youth Ministry is a nonprofit organization with a mission to share the good news of Jesus Christ through youth sports and business startup initiatives.
By focusing on the team-building aspects of youth sports, Positive Thinking Youth Ministry seeks to introduce spiritual teaching and practices in Chesapeake, Virginia. Through sports like basketball and boxing, the organization aims to improve the mental health of youth participants.
According to the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition, participation in youth sports is associated with lower rates of anxiety and depression, lower amounts of stress, higher self-esteem and confidence, reduced risk of suicide, less substance abuse, and increased life satisfaction, and more.
In addition to providing youth sports, Positive Thinking Youth Ministry aims to teach youth about entrepreneurship and business. Encouraging creativity and supporting startup incubation, the origination aims to aid youth to create companies that offer opportunities and support. When established, youth and young adults will have access to GED courses and interview prep to help clients find employment.
All programing begins with a focus on Jesus Christ and introduces participants to a life of faith. Students will participate in Biblical study to grow their faith, in addition to their athletic and business acumen.
Make A Difference Today
Phone:
(757) 920-4552
Email:
Address:
1147 Hoover Avenue apt B
Chesapeake, Virginia 23324
Thank you for your interest in supporting charitable projects.
Positive Thinking Youth Ministry is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit
organization, and donations are tax-deductible.
State Disclosure
Financial statements are available from the State Office of Consumer Affairs, PO. Box 1163, Richmond, VA 23218.