Four cities in two states form the Quad Cities, located in the heart of the Midwest on the Mississippi River. Davenport and Bettendorf in Iowa, Moline/East Moline and Rock Island in Illinois, and surrounding towns make up a bustling metropolitan area that maintains a friendly, small-town feel. But the Quad Cities also are home to some residents who struggle with unemployment and poverty. Your group will partner with local ministries to work with children, elderly and homeless residents and participate in a variety of service opportunities while demonstrating the love of Christ.

Demographics

The Quad Cities region, including Davenport, Bettendorf, Moline and Rock Island are located on the Iowa/Illinois border, within a day’s drive of several major metropolitan areas, including Chicago. Within the Quad Cities you’ll find the only section of the Mississippi River that runs east to west. This was the site of the first railroad bridge across the Mississippi, connecting Rock Island to Davenport. Today, the Quad Cities has a population of 400,000. Visitors to the area can visit local parks, golf, play on the water or even visit the birthplace of Buffalo Bill Cody. In recent years, the region has suffered the effects of downsizing at local factories. While the unemployment rate has lately begun to decrease, it is currently at 4.9 percent. Individuals living below the poverty line make up 14.5 percent of the population, including 22.5 percent of those under age 18. These residents need your love and encouragement, and they will certainly bless you as you serve.

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. A list of possible evening/cultural activities include: visit Vanderveer Park - Botanical Conservatory; go to White Water Junction Water Park; attend a local church service; and attend a community cookout. These are examples of what your group might partake in during your mission week. These examples are subject to change due to weather or availability. In case of change, suitable substitutes will be provided. 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

There is an airport located in the Quad Cities in Moline, IL.

Transportation & Travel

Each group is responsible for transportation to and from the site, and during the mission week. This is a bus accessible site. A bus is defined as any vehicle that is larger than a standard 15-passenger van. If you would like to bring a vehicle in this category, you will need to contact the Service Center to discuss the additional requirements due to the size of your group.

Additional Information

If you would like more information on what there is to do in the Quad Cities before or after your trip, check out www.visitquadcities.com.