CORE COMMUNITY
We equip families, mobilize volunteers, and strengthen entire communities through relationships, support, and proven tools.
Poverty is a Community Challenge. The Solution is Community, too.
Designed for rural communities, Core Community believes something powerful: Poverty can be solved when a community comes together with the right tools, trusted relationships, and long-term support.
"We have watched some of our dreams come true … and none of this would have happened without Core."
Adam & Crystal
Core Leaders
"I was given the opportunity to become a Core Friend for one year. Four years later, I am still seeing my Core Leader make such great improvement in her life."
Shannon
Core Participant
"I feel like I have a new family, one that I can count on for emotional support and other things, like helping me move to a new home."
Brandy
Core Leader
"Another debt paid off and one step closer to getting our own home! I can’t wait for this future we are going to have... It’s so close!"
Kourtney
Core Leader
A Proven Model that Leads
from Poverty to Progress
Since 2015, Core Community has been helping rural communities change the way they respond to poverty. We do more than offer short-term help. We walk with families as they build stability, strengthen relationships, grow resources, and move toward a future filled with dignity and hope.
From 2015 through August 2026, Core Community reported:
The report also shows that 79% of graduates stabilize, 64% increase income, and 21%* move out of poverty.
*Defined as 200% of the poverty level as stated in the year of achievement.
OUR APPROACH
We start with dignity. People living in poverty are not problems to be fixed. They are neighbors doing their best to face overwhelming barriers.
OUR PROGRAM
This is not a financial assistance program. It is a weekly, relationship-based, two-phase program designed to help families move from instability toward long-term economic stability, healthy relationships and renewed hope.
OUR IMPACT
We measure impact not only by how many people attend but by what changes in their lives.
OUR COMMUNITIES
See where Core Community is at work, and the communities that have been changed.
OUR INVITATION
Core Community invites you to Lead the Change — right in your community, with people you may already pass at the grocery store, sit beside at ballgames, or see around town. Serve on the Advisory Committee. Recruit volunteers. Open doors with churches and businesses. Become a Community Champion. Let us know.
CORE COMMUNITY IS SOLVING POVERTY
Real Stories Bring Real Change
Breaking The Cycle: Learn how Core Community is helping families break the cycle of poverty by building resilience through relationships, weekly support, and meaningful community. Hear how walking alongside families can create greater stability, hope, and a path toward a stronger life.
Compassion in Action: Hear from Connie, a Core Community coach from Herington, Kansas, as she shares how compassion is at the heart of the program. Her reflection offers a powerful reminder that when people are welcomed, supported, and given space to heal, they can begin to find peace and hope for the future.
Youth Core Ministries Earns a Four-Star Rating From Charity Navigator
Youth Core Ministries has been evaluated by Charity Navigator, the nation's largest charity evaluator, and earned a Four-Star Rating. This is the height possible rating on Charity Navigator. This rating designates Youth Core Ministries as an official "Give with Confidence" charity, indicating that our organization is using its donations effectively based on Charity Navigator's comprehensive criteria that go beyond financials to reflect the work charities do.
You can learn more about Charity Navigator and our rating here.