This year, Solid Rock Youth Ministries is celebrating 25 years of serving the Quarryville community.

Solid Rock Youth Ministries strives to earn trust through authentic mentoring relationships with kids in kindergarten through 12th grade so lives can be changed by the Gospel of Jesus Christ. To accomplish this mission, Solid Rock offers several activities throughout the year, including after-school programs, art and drama programs, family fun events, and more.

It all started in 1997, when Clair and Jackie Myers felt called by the Lord to provide kids in the community with the opportunity to worship together, so they formed a Friday night youth group. By 2001, the Myerses had found a home for their ministry at 34 E. State St., Quarryville, which is Solid Rock's current location. The following year, Solid Rock offered its first elementary after-school program, and in 2003, the ministry became an official nonprofit organization and Solid Rock hosted its inaugural auction fundraiser. In September 2013, Jackie stepped down from her leadership position, and Raeanne Nixon joined the team as executive director. The ministry's first-ever 5K and fun run took place in August 2018, and the inaugural Christmas teen gift program occurred in December that same year. May 2019 was when the annual farm-to-table fundraiser began, and in fall 2020, Solid Rock launched its high school program.

"We chose (the name) 'Solid Rock' because Jesus is our solid rock," said Jackie.

To celebrate its anniversary, Solid Rock will host an open house event on Friday, March 11, from 4 to 7 p.m. People can drop in, meet the team, see the space, and learn about Solid Rock's mission. There will be snacks, fellowship, and door prizes of gift cards and Solid Rock apparel.

"The open house is perfect for those who have never heard of Solid Rock, have passed by the location but never went inside, and for those who came to Solid Rock as a student," explained Nixon. "Come see what we're up to and how we've grown these past 25 years. And for those who are looking to get involved in the community, Solid Rock is such a great place for that. We have tons of volunteer opportunities."

What does the future hold for Solid Rock? According to Nixon, she, the board, and the staff believe that the Lord wants to continue using Solid Rock as a way to share the Gospel with the community. Nixon noted that she is excited to continue to grow and offer more programs.

"We just want to be a place where families feel empowered and that when they send their kids here, they know that they're safe," said Nixon.

For more information, visit http://www.solidrockquarryville.com.