FACES

Children. Staff. And a large group of donors and volunteers all make Agapé Corner a vibrant, joyful place to be. Pictured on this page are several of the staff members who help educate, parent, and serve our wonderful children.

FOUNDER'S MESSAGE

Agapé Corner began nearly thirty years ago as a state-funded daycare, a humble attempt to help at-risk children. All around us, we saw children who were losing hope as they faced hard experiences far beyond their years. Whether it was violence, the loss of a parent, or a chaotic home environment, the children of Durham – our children – were suffering.

Building the Agapé Family
We quickly realized that Agapé Corner could not be supported by state funds or limited by its rules, if we were to live out God’s love and care for each other. Fortunately, our families agreed, and many stayed on with us. We held Bible studies for parents each week and cared for their children each day. And in the process, we became a family.

Those early days were full of many moves. We were asked to leave our first house, then given several months of shelter in Carrboro. We even spent nine months sleeping on a church floor. While these times were tough, they were absolutely wonderful. We grew in faith and trust and deepened our sense of community.  

A New Focus
Along the way, we narrowed our focus, from serving as a family refuge ministry to one that served only children. God validated this choice with the gracious gift of three properties on Holloway Street. We used these buildings to house and school a vibrant community of children, ranging from kindergarteners to high school students and teenagers making the transition to college or the world of work.

Helping—and Healing—Our Children
It has not been an easy road. Many of our children have had devastating experiences and have behavioral problems or deep emotional scars. Consequently, the road to forgiveness and trust is a slow —and hard-earned — one. But the staff, volunteers, and donors who have passed through our doors have been blessed by the exuberant spirits and childlike faith of our students.

In the early years, God gave me a verse which quickly became the cornerstone of our ministry, “We his people will arise and build” (Nehemiah 2:20).  While walls can often be an image of division or isolation, for Agape’ they are an image of healing, of restoration. We want to help rebuild our students’ minds, hearts, and souls for Christ, empowering them to live wonderful, God-centered lives and accomplish everything he has purposed them to do. Won’t you join us in that quest?

Warmly,
Louise Roudebush