MERCY
Adult Entertainment Industry & Human Trafficking
Scarlet Hope
Louisville has the 9th largest adult entertainment industry per capita in America with over 30 adult entertainment industry establishments active in the city. There are 5,000 women working in strip clubs in Kentucky. It is estimated that 70% of sex trafficking victims in the U.S. are trafficked through these clubs. Scarlet Hope exists to share the hope and love of Jesus with women in this industry. Third Avenue members are deeply involved in supporting Scarlet Hope’s gospel-centered initiatives in various capacities.
Homelessness
Re:Center Ministries
As of January 2018, Kentucky had estimated 3,688 experiencing homelessness on any given day. Re:Center Ministries is a rigorous gospel-centered program aimed at preventing and responding to homelessness in Louisville and Southern Indiana. They seek to reconcile the homeless and hurting to God, family, and community by the power of Christ in partnership with the local church. Through Re:Center, Third Avenue is bringing gospel hope to the poor and suffering across our city.
Refugees & Immigrants
Refuge International
Kentucky ranks 9th in the U.S. for number of refugee arrivals. Refuge International is an organization that exists to glorify God by partnering with local churches to love refugees and immigrants. There’s an intentional focus on cultivating long term relationships by resourcing refugee and immigrant communities with housing, English, jobs, citizenship, home & health classes, and so much more. Consider joining Third Avenue in providing welcome teams and English mentors for refugees and immigrants in Louisville.
Foster Care & Adoption
Orphan Care Alliance
As of August 2019, 9,660 children in Kentucky where identified to be in the foster care system at some point. Given these staggering numbers, with the help of the church, OCA desires to see every child have a home and know the love of a family. In addition to OCA providing Third Avenue information, training, and family support for those pursuing foster care or adoption, there are a number of other ways our church is positively impacting children in need.
Crisis Pregnancy
BSideU & Speak For The Unborn
BsideU supports women and families in crisis with the mission to save both the life of the unborn child and the lives of the entire family. To this end, BsideU offers pregnancy counseling, coupled with on-going life skills training through a faith-based, holistic approach. Speak for the Unborn equips local churches to implement comprehensive pro-life strategies, including gospel-centered sidewalk counseling and formative discipleship. Learn more about how Third Avenue members volunteer for both these ministries.