Ministries on the Move, better known as M.O.M., is a not-for-profit organization established in September 2007, to provide disadvantaged children with dancing opportunities.

The children, ranging in age from 6-18, come from both Illinois and Missouri to participate in learning Julliard-based dancing techniques that incorporate liturgical, ballet, mime and praise dancing.

This vital service provides children an alternative for productive use of their spare time while learning the power of expression through interpretive dance.

One of the main attractions our children look forward to each year is our annual dance lock-in where more than a hundred children come together for a sleep-in combined with dance instruction throughout the night.  This year's event was held June 26-27 at the Richmond Heights Recreational Center, in Richmond Heights, MO.

Dance experts from around the area mentor at this event throughout the night; working intensively with the participants in developing or enhancing their skills.

The culmination of this event takes place forty-five minutes prior to dismissal in an ambiance of Praise and Worship Celebration, where participants are given the opportunity to display the techniques that they have been taught throughout the night.

Our newly added mentoring activity,   Wrap around the Arts Day, began this summer (July 7).  Seventy-five young people were allowed the opportunity to visit The St. Louis Art & History Museums, The St. Louis Black Repertory Theater, and participate in dance classes and had swimming to culminate their day.  Since this event was such a success, we have been encouraged to offer additional series prior to December 31. 

Each event affords our youth the opportunity to see various areas of the Arts and to participate in our on-going mission: "To encourage a spirit of unity amongst Christian dancers in glorifying God through the performing arts.

The impact that we have made in our community has been reiterated by young participants who have commented: "I didn't have a good time; I had a GREAT time."

To receive positive feedback from group leaders and pastors, who have stated that they are encouraged by what we are doing with the youth of  their organizations and churches,
gives us the incentive to continue with the goals and vision of our organization.

Our annual Yuletide Dance Worship Celebration, which takes place the last Sunday after Christmas, is a community Praise Dance Celebration and Banquet.  

This year will mark the third time we will be fortunate to allow approximately 15-25 dance groups in our community the opportunity to come together with an audience of more than 500 attendees, to express and share their gifts through the art of dance worship at a world renown location known as The National Shrine Of Our Lady of the Snows.     

Additionally, we host one-day dance workshops for various churches who seek our assistance with mentoring their dance ministries.  It is our goal in the next six-months, to begin to develop those same workshops for children with physical or mental challenges.  We are also preparing to render those workshops in local nursing home facilities, which will allow their residents the opportunity to learn interpretive dance! 

Part of our vision is to afford these young people positive opportunities that may not be available to them due to their present economic situations. Moreover, we are making strides to assist with developing positive character building and self-esteem.
 

Sincerely,
Janet Greenlee                                                                                        Executive Director