needle’s eye Background

Needle’s Eye Christian Counseling Center, 74 Kenmore Ave., Youngstown, off Oak Hill Avenue, will mark 40 years of service to the community during an open house from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday. It was recognized as one of the Thousand Points of Life in America by President George H. Bush.

Founder: In 1976, Irma Davis founded Needle’s Eye Christian Counseling Center. She worked with the Rev. Richard Braun of John Knox Presbyterian Church and others in the Christian community. Davis, who died July 22, 2009, was active in schools and parents’ groups and interested in societal issues affecting the community. She was a certified prevention specialist. Though her focus was youth, she expanded the program to adults.

The name: Needle’s Eye is based on Luke 18:25, “For it is easier for a camel to go through a needle’s eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.” It refers to radical life changes.

Mission: To address dysfunctions of life caused by drug and alcohol abuse. The center offers preventative programs that instill morals and values in the lives of at-risk youth. The center helps addicts through its support groups and getting them into rehabilitation programs.

Program schedule: The center is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays. There are women’s and men’s support groups, Bible study and Good News Club for youth. Special programs are men’s and women’s events, summer cultural weekend, weekend for teens, community network servicing and teen committee. The center works with schools, provides school supplies and also distributes food and clothing. The center is funded by individuals, churches, businesses and organizations in the Valley.

Contact information: Call 330-744-1582 or send email to EyeTheNeedles@yahoo.com.