What a Teen Volunteer Group in Milwaukee Learned at Port of Missions

For the past three years, Port of Missions Outreach Ministries has partnered with YouthWorks, a national organization that sends church-based teen volunteer groups to serve in communities across the country. Every summer, a new group of teens volunteers with us in Milwaukee, and we are always thankful for their willingness to step in and serve with compassion and joy.

These aren’t just students passing through. They leave a real impact.

YouthWorks Volunteers Keep Showing Up and We’re So Grateful

The teens who come through YouthWorks aren’t afraid to get involved. Some help with inventory. Others spend time cleaning up areas around the building or giving walls a fresh coat of paint. Many of them create Scripture-inspired artwork to encourage anyone who visits.

“The different children or teenagers that come in are so excited to help out—whether it’s inventory, picking up around the building, painting areas that need a touch-up, or creating specialized artwork with verses of Scripture to encourage and inspire each person who comes in.”

— Tona Haywood, Port of Missions

These moments stick with us. The energy, willingness, and love they show is something we never take for granted.

Discipleship Through Service Means Serving Like Jesus

When a group of teens volunteers at a homeless shelter or outreach ministry, something shifts. They begin to understand what it means to serve like Jesus. It’s not about checking off hours or being seen. It’s about choosing to love your neighbor.

“I think it’s so important because they get to serve and put other people before themselves—and that’s what we’re supposed to do as Christians. Love our neighbors and be of service to others.”

— Tona Haywood

This kind of discipleship through service is often more formative than any classroom lesson. It’s real, lived-out faith in action.

What Volunteering for Teen Groups Looks Like Here

At Port of Missions, we are intentional about giving teen groups meaningful ways to help. We want them to feel included, useful, and connected to the community they’re serving.

“We have things they can do that will not only help our mission, but also make them feel like they are part of the larger community. They love coming to serve, and we pray it has a positive impact on them all.”

— Tona Haywood

Some projects include:

Packing hygiene kits

Organizing donated clothing and supplies

Light painting or maintenance

Creating Scripture-based artwork

Preparing outreach materials or encouragement cards

These are the kinds of group volunteer teen opportunities that not only bless our ministry but give teens a sense of ownership in something bigger than themselves.

Your Church’s Teen Volunteer Group Can Serve Too

You don’t have to be part of a national organization to join in. If you’re a youth leader in the Milwaukee area—or if your church is looking for a local service trip—we invite you to reach out. We welcome volunteering for teen groups year-round, not just in the summer.

Let your teens serve in a place where they’ll make a difference and grow in their faith through hands-on service.

To get started:

Contact us at portofmissions@gmail.com

Schedule a day or multi-day visit

Closing Thoughts

We are grateful for YouthWorks and every teen volunteer group that has come through Port of Missions over the past three years. Their impact is lasting and real. And we believe more youth groups can experience the same joy of serving others with love, intention, and humility.

If your group is ready to serve, we’re ready to welcome you.