Both faith-based ministries serve kids in under-resourced neighborhoods in Memphis. Both organizations rely on comprehensive after-school programming to draw kids to their facilities, where dedicated staff members coach, grow and encourage students to find their paths to academic, spiritual and physical achievement.
Now, the two organizations will become one in a merger that’s designed to combine resources, capitalize on the strengths of both organizations and focus fundraising efforts that were sometimes splintered because the organizations had similar missions.
The organizations will merge and operate as Streets Ministries. Staff retained from both organizations will continue to work with the kids, and members of the MAM board will become members of the Streets board.
The merger legal work is underway, and the merger is expected to be completed later this year.
The organizations are carefully reviewing staffing models and locations to determine what will allow the combined organization to be most effective in continuing to serve youth in Memphis.
“Heaven knows, Memphis needs youth programs like those at MAM and Streets now more than ever,” said Keva Latham, chair of the MAM board. “We’ve been thinking about a potential merger with Streets for at least two years, and we started serious talks with the Streets board and leadership team last fall. We recognized that bringing the two organizations together would make us both stronger, better able to fundraise and better able to impact even more kids and families. Our focus has always been on what’s best for the kids. We think this merger is just that.”
Ken Bennett started Streets in 1987 with only a van, a basketball and a heart to share the gospel. “The merging of these two incredible organizations will be a powerful catalyst for youth development and the advancement of the gospel in Memphis,” said Eric Ballentine, executive director of Streets. “Both organizations have built tremendous relationships with kids and families. Both organizations believe that a relationship with God is the key to fulfilling lives for our kids. Both organizations are working to build a stronger Memphis. Fundraising is a challenge for all nonprofits, and we know funders will appreciate our willingness to combine two respected, longstanding organizations focused on helping young people in challenged neighborhoods in Memphis.”
