Students from Impact Campus Fellowship’s Impact Kids Club pose for a photo at Ring school. Submitted photo

“At the core, we’re fostering the health of area youth; emotional health, spiritual health, and physical health,” the Rev. Dan Soderberg, director of development at Impact Campus Fellowship, spoke of the work being done through the student-led interdenominational faith-based program. “We’re impacting the lives of students through fellowship and support, promoting a joyful, gracious, and purposeful outlook on life and faith.”

Impact Campus Fellowship began in 2001 at Jamestown High School when a small group of students sought to gather in support of each other’s commitment to faith and spirituality. Their club would openly support those of all spiritual backgrounds with compassion, understanding, and encouragement, emphasizing how much more we have in common than in difference.

“It’s not really about religion,” said Jon Meyer, executive director. “They can share their love of God without feeling polarizing or confrontational, but the heart of everyone’s interactions is togetherness and service.”

The program has student members at Jamestown High School, Southwestern public schools, Panama Central School, Frewsburg, Maple Grove and others, totaling well over 1,000 students. Regular gatherings include student conversations about their daily experiences, video programs, chorus events, and other ways to unite and build confidence.

This year, Impact Campus Fellowship established an agency endowment fund to benefit the program and the students driving it. The returns from the endowment fund will be used to bring in guest speakers and lecturers covering topics from respect for others to substance abuse, support for end-of-year picnics, gifts for graduating seniors, and publicity for the program.

“We have made grants to Impact Campus Fellowship through the Karl Peterson Field of Interest Fund that supports faith-based organizations,” said Tory Irgang, executive director of the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation. “Holding an endowment for them allows the Foundation to do the administrative work while they deliver programs and work with donors. This is another example of a great partnership.”

Donations to grow the Impact Legacy Fund can be made online at crcfonline.org/give or by mailing a check to Chautauqua Region Community Foundation, 418 Spring St., Jamestown, NY 14701.

The Chautauqua Region Community Foundation administers over 700 endowments in support of emerging community needs, charitable organizations and local students pursuing higher education. For more information visit crcfonline.org or contact Lisa Lynde, donor services officer, at 716-661-3390 or llynde@crcfonline.org