Walton & Daniels | 33-39
THE POINT: Empowering Youth
Dwayne Walton & Sarah Daniels
THE POINT is an organization that provides an after-school community center, on-campus support and mentoring, and a program to support students in juvenile detention. We believe that our faith-based approach has been effective in helping students avoid negative interactions with law enforcement and keeping them out of the criminal justice system. Our mission is to empower youth and their families to live victorious lives. We provide a safe, engaging, and spirit-filled environment where young people can grow, develop resilience, and build a future of service to others. In 2023, we served 705 students and have already served 838 in 2024, offering a holistic program focused on emotional support, academics, spiritual growth, and community connection. Through these efforts, we strive to keep youth engaged and on positive paths, helping them avoid risky behaviors and potential interactions with law enforcement.
Empowerment Through Academic Support
THE POINT’s Academic Enrichment Program is foundational to our approach. With focused support, 86% of our participants report increased academic motivation, 77% see improved school performance, and 63% have advanced their literacy skills. We believe that a solid academic foundation empowers youth to envision a positive future and make decisions that will open doors for them.
Empowerment Through Engaging Programs and Activities
Our 33,000-square-foot facility includes a full basketball/volleyball court, outdoor skatepark, e-sports arena, art studio, vocational shop, music studio, and commercial kitchen. Programs offered in these spaces build confidence and essential social skills: 92% of students report increased self-confidence, 90% have made new friends, and 96% have built trusted relationships with adults. This support network keeps students connected, accountable, and focused on making positive choices.
Through our programs, students also learn to make healthy lifestyle choices. An impressive 90% of youth report avoiding alcohol, and 92% are steering clear of drugs and sexual activity. With 76% indicating they are getting into trouble less frequently; our program fosters the self-discipline and positive behavior that help youth avoid or minimize risks, such as fighting in the community, drug and marijuana use, and alcohol consumption. The more they attend the less likely they will face these temptations and stay focused.
Empowerment Through Envisioning the Future
Planning for the future is central to our programs. Eighty-two percent of participants have identified career goals, 64% intend to pursue college or technical education, and 18% aim to join the military. By helping young people envision and prepare for their future, we encourage them to prioritize education and growth over risky behaviors. With mentors and scholarships available to support them, youth are better equipped to follow positive paths and avoid negative influences.
Empowerment Through Leadership, Service, and Community Engagement
Leadership and service are key aspects of our mission. Ninety-one percent of youth have expressed a stronger interest in helping others, fostering responsibility and empathy. Our students have traveled to Montana to serve on the Crow Indian Reservation, using sports and community-building activities to foster friendships. These experiences broaden their perspectives and give them something positive to look forward to, further reducing the likelihood of risky behavior.
Empowerment Through a Safe and Supportive Environment
Safety and support are foundational at THE POINT, where 100% of students report feeling safe, and 99% feel supported and cared for. In this environment, youth can take positive risks and develop trusting relationships. We create a “safe place to fail,” where students who make mistakes are met with compassion and guidance rather than judgment. Caring adults walk them through accountability, forgiveness, and growth, fostering behavioral change rooted in grace and mercy.
Empowerment Through Mental and Spiritual Well-Being
Mental health is a priority at THE POINT, with 95% of students reporting increased happiness and 93% showing improved self-esteem. Our faith-centered approach is particularly impactful. Many youth arrive carrying burdens from trauma, harmful choices, and chaotic environments, which affect their mental health and sense of self-worth. Our program addresses these challenges with a focus on spiritual renewal. As students learn about God’s love in Christ, they discover hope, forgiveness, and the potential for a brighter future. We teach that they are created in God’s image, with unique gifts meant for building stronger families, communities, and lives.
Making a Lasting Difference
Our work would not be possible without the dedication of 364 volunteers who serve as mentors and role models to our youth. Together we’ve provided over 22,790 meals to food-insecure families, meeting immediate needs and reinforcing our broader mission.
At THE POINT, we are committed to measurable, transformative impact in the lives of youth. Through meaningful engagement, academic and emotional support, and a foundation of faith, we help guide young people toward futures filled with hope, purpose, and achievement. The following is a letter from the Parkesburg Borough Police Department in support of THE POINT's Academic Enrichment Program.
Figure 1: Letter Received from Parkesburg Borough Police in Support of THE POINT's Academic Enrichment Program.
References
1. Conte V. Police Department Community Intervention Program. Pinebrook Family Answers. March 20, 2024. Accessed December 2, 2024. Police Department Community Intervention Program.
Biographies
Dwayne Walton, Executive Director at the Point, was born in Guyana, South America, and with his family, he immigrated to the United States in 1986. Dwayne grew up in Brooklyn NY and Queens NY. He attended Andrew Jackson High School, and began attending Philadelphia Biblical University, now Cairn University, in 1999. He graduated in 2004 with a BA in Biblical Studies and began working at the Parkesburg Point Youth Center as Executive Director. THE POINT is a Christian Outreach that aims to bridge churches with the community by providing a 33, 000 square foot community center dedicated to evangelism and discipleship. Over 50 churches are involved with THE POINT. Dwayne met his lovely wife Amy at THE POINT and the two were married in 2006. Dwayne and Amy have two wonderful kids, Elijah who is 16 and Eliana who is 14, and they live in Coatesville Pa.
Sarah Daniels, Director of Grants & Social Media at THE POINT, resides in West Chester, PA with her husband and two children. Sarah holds a Bachelor's degree in Human Development and Family Science and a Master's degree in Nonprofit Management. For 19 years, Sarah has been committed to supporting organizations that prioritize the health and well-being of women, children, and families. As the Director of Grants & Social Media at THE POINT, she plays a crucial role in sharing the organization's story, highlighting its impact, and securing essential resources to advance its mission.
Contact Information
Dwayne Walton | Executive Director, The Point
Email: dwayne@parkesburgpoint.com
Sarah Daniels | Director of Grants & Social Media, The Point
Email: sdaniels@parkesburgpoint.com