Common Grounds

Goal: $15,000.00

Specific Need

Common Grounds exists to support youth and young adults, equipping them to become godly leaders who make a lasting difference throughout Crawford County.

This year, our goal is to raise $15,000 to sustain and strengthen the ministries that serve the young people of Crawford County. These funds will help us continue offering life-changing programs while also addressing important capital improvements, including replacing and updating our aging fences.

Your generous gift will directly support the continued growth and impact of our ministries. Below, you'll find more information about the specific programs your donation helps make possible.

We invite you to prayerfully consider supporting Common Grounds through the Crawford Gives campaign. Together with other outstanding nonprofits, we are committed to building a stronger, healthier Crawford County for generations to come.

Tuesday Night LIGHT (TNL) is a ministry designed to encourage and equip young adults (ages 18 and up) in their walk with Christ. TNL provides a welcoming space for individuals to build meaningful relationships with one another while deepening their relationship with the Lord.

Each week, we engage in Scripture-based teaching through Bible and video studies, followed by small group discussions that help participants connect God’s Word to their daily lives. We close our evenings in prayer, lifting each other up and strengthening our spiritual community. Periodically, we hold “social nights” focused on fellowship and fun, helping young adults form lasting friendships.

Through this ministry, young adults are being equipped to lead and serve. Many have stepped into roles such as CGYG mentors, CVFJ staff, Friday Night Café volunteers, and even board members. We believe in the vital role young adults play in shaping the future and are committed to investing in their spiritual growth and leadership.

"Likewise, urge the younger men to be self-controlled. Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned..."
— Titus 2:6–8

Common Grounds Youth Group (CGYG) is a ministry dedicated to building Christ-centered relationships with local high school students (7th–12th grade). Through intentional connection with young adults who have walked similar paths, CGYG provides mentorship, support, and encouragement during the challenging high school years. Our goal is to teach biblical principles in a way that helps students not only understand the basics of their faith but also apply and grow in them each day.

“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”
— Hebrews 10:24–25

Friday Night Café is a monthly ministry designed to give high school students a fun, safe, and welcoming environment where they can build friendships and connect with peers from surrounding schools. Each event features a creative group activity—often focused on teamwork, communication, and relationship-building—followed by time to relax, play games, and enjoy meaningful conversations.

At 9:00 p.m., we gather for a short devotional known as “9 at 9”—a 9-minute teaching that ties into the night’s activity and encourages students to reflect on their faith in practical ways.

This time together is more than just fun—it’s about forming a strong community where teens are reminded they’re not alone in their walk with Christ.

“Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow... And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.”
— Ecclesiastes 4:9–12

Camp Venango for Jesus (CVFJ) is a local Christian summer camp serving youth throughout Crawford County and the surrounding communities. Through outdoor activities, worship, Bible teaching, and fellowship, campers have the opportunity to grow in their faith, build lasting friendships, and learn more about Jesus Christ. Our camp provides a fun, safe, and welcoming environment where young people can experience God’s love and develop a deeper relationship with Him. With the support of volunteers, churches, and generous donors, we are able to keep camp accessible to local families and continue investing in the next generation. Our hope is that each camper leaves with meaningful memories, lasting friendships, and a faith that continues to grow long after camp is over.

“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.”
— Proverbs 22:6

Mission

Mission: To cultivate Christ-centered relationships rooted in Biblical truth, so that lives are transformed and disciples are multiplied.

Vision: Build Frienships to Develop Disciples of Jesus.

Profile

Common Grounds exists because the community saw a need for a safe place for young people to gather together. We have a cafe building which provides a great indoor space during cool months where the teens and young adults can play pool, pingpong, board games or just get together with friends and have conversation. During the warmer months there is a great outdoor space where they can play sand volleyball, octaball, disc golf, wiffle ball and other outdoor games as well as enjoy sitting around a campfire. There is a large pavillion which is used often for graduation parties and recently several weddings have taken place.