The Village

Agape Village Administrative Office
Oak Grove A.M.E. Church
19801 Cherrylawn
Detroit, MI 48221
313.341.8877

>> What is Agape Village?
>> Which churches are involved?
>> Who can participate?
>> What's included?
>> How much does it cost to participate?
>> How can students and parents sign up?

What is Agape Village?

The Village is a partnership of five interdenominational, culturally diverse churches in northwest Detroit. Love predominates in the Village because the word "Agape" means love. It's the kind of love that is motivated primarily by an interest in the welfare of others. It's the kind of love that parents and children traditionally have sought from the church community. And it's the kind of love that prevails among the churches of Agape Village.

On Sunday, they are places of worship. But throughout the week, the five participating churches become places of learning, where children are assisted in developing their academic, social and emotional skills, while expanding their talents and unearthing new abilities.

Small-group instruction is a hallmark of Agape Village. The ratio of students to instructors, tutors and facilitators is kept low to ensure that every child is given the personal attention he or she deserves. When they leave the Village experience, youngsters are a step closer to being confident, competent students. And they are on their way to becoming purposeful, productive citizens of their communities–and the world.

Which churches are involved?

The Churches of Agape Village include Oak Grove African Methodist Episcopal Church, Hartford Memorial Baptist Church, Messiah Baptist Church, New Prospect Missionary Baptist Church and St. Paul United Methodist Church. Each church offers specialized classes or workshops two to three days a week. In addition to providing space for the classes and workshops, the churches provide financial and volunteer support. Oak Grove serves as the administrative headquarters for the Village.

Who can participate?

The Village experience awaits children in grades K-8 who live in a neighborhood near one of the participating churches, and their parents. The programs of Agape Village last from 25 to 30 weeks.

What's included?

In addition to a wide variety of programs, including dance, piano, drama, computer training and repair,and the MEAP preparatory exercise, children of Agape Village are provided educational supplies, workbooks and materials for arts and crafts, along with computers and musical instruments. Plus, nutritious snacks or full meals are served daily at each site. And free transportation is provided to field trips, to recreation programs at the Northwest Activities Center and to classes at the various church locations.

How much does it cost to participate?

Nothing! When children and parents come to the Village for help, they receive first-rate instruction and tutoring, along with complimentary meals and supplies. They also receive lots of quality time, attention and love. All are invaluable to the personal growth and development of parents and students alike. And, yet, they don’t cost participants a dime! That’s because all expenses are covered by a grant from The Skillman Foundation and generous contributions from the churches of Agape Village.

How can students & parents sign up?

For registration information, contact the site coordinator at any of the partnership churches.