Backpack Blessings - Partnering to Facilitate DNOW Youth Retreats

With a leadership background as Atlanta-based FirstView Financial CEO, Jerome Uffner has extensive payment technology services experience. Community involved, Jerome Uffner supports the nonprofit Backpack Blessings, which focuses on the needs of children in providing Blue Bags. These combine nutritious food with books, toothbrushes, toothpaste, and fun items that enrich lives.

One of the value-added aspects of Backpack Blessings is its work as mission partner with annual Christ-focused DNOW (Disciple Now) youth retreats. Events organized provide a sense of fellowship to middle and high school students, with participants initially meeting at the Mt. Bethel Sanctuary. After students learn their “host family” assignment, they are welcomed into households that provide them with a break from their everyday lives and have a worship focus that brings God front and center. 

Among the activities organized are projects that help community members in need, including cleaning, light construction, yard work, and serving food at local parks. These activities reinforce the practical nature of their mission and the importance of helping those out who are less fortunate.