About Us

Who We Are

The CrossWord Cafe/Chillicothe Youth Center was founded in August 2001 by individuals from several area churches, civic leaders and community organizations. Our staff’s focus is to build positive relationships with students grade 6-12 through mentoring, tutoring, teaching, discussion groups and just hanging out. We are a drop in center offering many opportunities for staff to connect with students and their families. Our mission is to give every teen in our community an opportunity to experience Christ in a non-threatening environment.

Exterior shot of the CrossWord Cafe
Years Open
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Small Groups
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Games of Pool
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Students
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Our History

The CrossWord Café/Chillicothe Youth Center is patterned after a Christian coffee house concept successfully pioneered by former Chillicothe youth pastor Brent Ressler, whose monthly program quickly outgrew the home basement where it was started and confirmed the need for an area teen center. In August 2001, after receiving support from several area churches, civic leaders and community organizations, the CrossWord Café/Chillicothe Youth Center opened the doors to our current location in downtown Chillicothe. Since then the Café has added activities, programs, and events for area youth. The CrossWord Café/Chillicothe Youth Center is a non-profit organization that continues to be supported by individuals, churches, Christian ministries and community organizations.

Board of Directors

The following individuals have graciously consented to provide their time and talents to the CrossWord Café.
  • JOSHUA WIER - President
  • ERIC RIGGANS - Vice-President
  • LONNIE VELDHOUSE - Treasurer
  • CHRIS HEFFRON - Secretary
  • JOHN HEFFRON - Director
  • MATT ASHCRAFT - Member
  • MIKE KROST - Member
  • MIKE THANEPOHN - Member

IMPACTING LIVES

Kids need a place to belong. A place that they can feel safe and develop real relationships. At the cafe, we want kids to learn that God loves them.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Just as no two kids are the same, no single program reaches all kids. Therefore, we offer unique programs to reach our kids.

TUTORING

If you need scholastic help, please contact us so we can get you setup with one of our volunteer tutors.

MUSIC LESSONGS

If you would like to learn how to play an instrument, please contact us so we can get you setup with one of our volunteer instructors.