Nov 29, 2011 Berlin, German

EUD staff/ANN staff

A German Seventh-day Adventist youth group's work among disadvantaged children and teenagers earned national recognition last week.

Members of the Livingroom, an Adventist youth church in Mainz, won the Gold Hope Prize for their Equal Opportunity Project. In cooperation with three elementary and secondary schools and a local youth center, project volunteers offer homework help and tutoring to kids who face tough economic backgrounds or who have little to no parental support.

The Gold Hope Prize is presented by Germany's network of Christian churches, associations and communities. Founded by the German Evangelical Alliance, the network's Hope prizes recognize "exemplary commitment and witnessing in Christian charity."

"We thank God for this award. Over 90 percent of our work and mission is done by young people. God is blessing their commitment and faith," said Livingroom Pastor Ruben Grieco.

The Livingroom is designed to provide an environment where young people can feel at home and experience God's love and a sense of community, church leaders said. The church aims to make a positive impact on society.

"This award belongs to all the volunteers who use their free time to serve other people," said Equal Opportunities Project Director Jessica Dietrich.

The project is one of the Livingroom's numerous community outreach programs.

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