Spiritual networking

By Darrell B. Uselton

Subjects: Employment, Biography, Urban youth, Services for, Youth Service (Memphis), USA Youth Service, About Face (Memphis), Bridge Builders (Memphis), Poor youth, Church work with youth

Description: "The accounts of Youth Service in Memphis, Inc. and Youth Service, USA reveal a compelling story of how Episcopal priest, The Reverend Donald Edgar Mowery, led these social service agencies well beyond the confines of campgrounds for underprivileged and troubled youths. His efforts helped to create a template for a national program that enjoyed accolades from the highest levels. Father Don carefully crafted his "Spiritual Network" which grew to include supporters such as Elvis Presley, who grew up in one of Memphis' housing projects, four U.S. presidents and three Joint Chiefs of Staff, who served at various times on the Board of Directors for Youth Service, USA. From 1963 until 1995, Father Don helped to establish four major youth programs locally and expanded three of them to over 120 military bases across the country. No other civilian organization has been awarded the use of military facilities in this manner. His near half-century old radio talk show, Talk It Out with Father Don, is also commendable. The groundbreaking broadcast hosted guests ranging from Bob Hope, Ed Sullivan and Arthur Godfrey, to local citizens and volunteers. Father Don Mowery has devoted his entire career to inspiring and helping young people reach their life goals. Behind every Youth Service program was his fervent Christian concern for the well-being of all people -- the fortunate and the less fortunate. Father Don proved to the nation how youth training and development programs can transform young people into productive and positive citizens."--Publishers website.