Upon hearing of Kokomo, IN you may immediately go to the Beach Boys tune of the same name. However Kokomo, IN cannot be compared to a tropical island getaway! Kokomo, IN is known as the “City of Firsts” for many achievements, but mainly for being a pioneer of the auto industry in the USA. With Chrysler LLC being one of the major employers in town and yet on the verge of dissolution, the struggling community of Kokomo is up against the very reality that the backbone of their community could crumble before their eyes – and would take many residents down with it. Kokomo has recently been called “America’s Third Most Dying Town” by Forbes magazine. Your group will bring hope to Kokomo through serving at local organizations and with children’s programs.

Demographics

Kokomo, IN is an unassuming Midwest industrial town settled in the midst of cornfields, located about an hour north of Indianapolis. The Miami Indians originally inhabited the area where Kokomo now exists. In the mid-1800’s an Indian fur trader named David Foster purchased an extensive plot of land from the Miami Indians. It was here he set up his trading post and named his land “Koh-Koh-Mah” after a Miami Indian. After several years, Foster gave a 40 acre chunk of his land to be designated for use in creating a county seat and a community courthouse. Natural gas was found in the area in 1886 which brought a surge of residents and businesses into Kokomo. But the natural gas find was short-lived and nearly all of the gas was used up within 4 years. However the boom that the natural gas created in Kokomo carried over into other successful inventions and endeavors in the area, such as stainless steel and the ‘Horseless Carriage’ by Elwood Haynes. These are just two of a long list in the ‘City of Firsts’ which also include such ‘firsts’ as the first canned tomato juice and the first (and only) “McDiner”. Kokomo’s long-term success, however, rests squarely on the shoulders of the auto industry. It is this very industry that is currently threatening the stability of the entire community. Over 7,600 residents (or nearly 17% of the entire population) are employed by one of the four Chrysler manufacturing plants in Kokomo. Currently 17% of the population lives below the poverty level, a number sure to be on the rise with recent layoffs in the auto industry. The unemployment rate is already at a staggering 14%, nearly 6% higher than the national average.

About the Ministry

Participants serve in a variety of ways during a YouthWorks mission trip. Students may spend all week at one ministry or switch between ministries during the week. Our goal is to partner with local organizations and programs that seek to address the very basic needs of residents. Students may serve at places like: Children’s Programs, Elderly Centers, Soup Kitchens/Homeless Shelters and Thrift Stores. We cannot confirm until all groups arrive exactly what ministries your students will be a part of during the week. We ask that you come with a willing and flexible spirit!

Activities

Evening activities during a YouthWorks week are designed to give participants insight into the lives of local residents and the culture of the area. Your group will have the opportunity to enjoy the city of Kokomo, spend time with the community and spend time together as a large group. We try to arrange for free evening activities, but from time to time, an additional cost may be required for an activity. Please plan to bring an additional $10 per person to cover any extra costs. We will confirm the details closer to your trip.

Ministry Week

Partnering with Local Ministries.

Mileage

The city of Kokomo is located about sixty one miles from the Indianapolis International Airport.

Transportation & Travel

Each group is responsible for transportation to and from the site, and during the mission week. Kokomo can only accommodate standard 15 passenger vans or smaller.

Additional Information

For more information visit http://www.cityofkokomo.org/