When Children of The Americas was headquartered in Washington, DC, we saw some of the worst conditions children endure right in our nation's capital. Inner-city kids often face terrible home, school, and street situations and difficult personal choices: drugs, gangs, teen pregnancy, and poverty are a deadly combination in a child's life. Restoring hope, a sense of promise and place is essential for every child. As we looked for ways to help children right here in our own backyard, we were introduced to JCR Ministies, a fledgling group founded and maintained by Dave and Becky Darling. They began in their home in El Cajon, CA, near San Diego and a stone's throw from the Mexican border. When they outgrew their home, they moved to a nearby park and soon had over 80 kids coming on Friday nights for activities, dinner, and postive things to do after school. The Darling's vision of a full-time youth center for after school care is one we share, and we've partnered with JCR to get there for the children of El Cajon. Click below to see where we're going and how to help.