Shores

STEUBENVILLE — The Sycamore Youth Center announced the addition of Kristy Shores to its leadership team as life skills specialist and Amanda Thompson to its programming staff, for the upcoming year.

Shores, a ministry leader and youth advocate, brings experience and a commitment to serving children and families in the Ohio Valley.

Thompson will play a key role in integrating developmentally-disabled students into the center’s programs and will serve as the lead coordinator for the Sycamore Volunteer Corps program, which teaches character development through weekly community service projects in the valley.

Currently serving as the youth pastor at Word of Life Fellowship, Shores dedicated herself to leading students to Jesus and equipping them to share their faith with peers in their schools and communities.

She serves as the women’s ministry director, encouraging women across Ohio to wholeheartedly pursue God and follow the dreams and plans he has for them.

Thompson

Sycamore Executive Director Bobbyjon Bauman expressed his excitement about Shores as a new hire, saying, “We are absolutely thrilled to have Kristy join our leadership team. Her heart for the Lord and her proven leadership with young people make her a tremendous asset. She will play a key role in our 64 after-school classes and will specialize in integrating developmentally-disabled children into our programs — something we are deeply committed to at Sycamore.”

Thompson brings experience in youth leadership, ministry, administration and community outreach. She served as youth director at Faith Community Church in Bergholz, where she led youth ministries, organized community service projects and provided leadership training in conflict resolution, communication and teamwork. She served as the church administrator, overseeing communications, budgeting, volunteer coordination and community engagement.

Thompson worked as instruction and engagement coordinator for the Indian Creek Middle School Sycamore Stars After School Program, recruiting and supporting students and staff. She helped enhance class engagement and captured moments highlighting the program’s success. She led multiple community initiatives, including founding and coordinating the long-running Christ Walk Good Friday event, which brings together pastors and congregations from nearly 30 area churches.

Bauman commented on the hiring of Thompson and praising her appointment, saying, “We are thrilled to welcome Amanda to our leadership team. Her passion for serving youth, strong organizational skills and heart for community outreach, make her an incredible asset.”

“We’re especially excited for the impact she’ll have in integrating developmentally-disabled students into our programs and in leading our Sycamore Volunteer Corps to serve and shine in the community,” Bauman added.

With the addition of Shores and Thompson, the center will continue to provide life-changing opportunities for students and looks forward to expanding its reach and deepening its impact in the lives of young people.