The Purpose of God Annex Outreach Center wrapped up another its summer program last week, celebrating the success of its educational and recreational activities.

A ceremony was held at St. Peter’s All Saints Hall on Friday and the program’s participants met to receive awards for their hard work and a summer of learning and fun. These awards were given based on the best readers, the best spellers and teams who emerged as winners of its sports tournaments.

However, there are some things the children picked up that will last them a lifetime. Among those things are discipline, honesty, integrity, faith, honor and respect for not only others, but also themselves.

CEO and Founder of POG Bishop Jones teaches these children real life skills that will last them a lifetime. Coming from a military background, Jones incorporates a certain level of discipline in the program. At any given time or place, Jones yells, “Pop tall,” and the children stand at attention. You can hear a pin drop. The children are taught to respect Jones, which correlates to an elder, a teacher, a parent, etc.

With the center being a faith-based organization, the program also incorporates faith into its teachings. Participants learn about basic Bible stories, the Ten Commandments and various Bible verses. This subjects the children to teachings that will help them find who they are as spiritual beings.

The program, which is geared toward at-risk youth, meets its goal and more. As Jones has said, most of the kids who participate have trouble in school. The program keeps the children off the street, out of trouble, and keeps them immersed in education. It keeps structure in the lives of those children who need it and aids them in the transition back to school.

The discipline, structure and involvement in educational teachings helps keep the children more manageable and for some, more interested in their education and their future.

What the program does, ultimately, is groom girls and boys into becoming good men and women who will hopefully pass what they have learned to their children.