Beyond Academics: The Heart of InZone

At Transform Ministries, we believe education is more than just academics—it’s about shaping lives, fostering growth, and instilling a love for learning. That belief is embodied in Ms. Pam, a dedicated and passionate educator who has become a cornerstone of our InZone program. 

Pam first joined InZone as a tutor, spending hours working one-on-one with boys each day. But she quickly realized her role extended beyond tutoring.

“I ended up staying longer than the two hours of tutoring, interacting with the boys in other ways,” she recalls. It wasn’t just about completing homework—it was about connection, mentorship, and showing the boys that they matter.

For many of the boys in InZone, traditional academics can be daunting. Pam, however, has a gift for turning learning into an adventure. Whether it’s weaving, working with clay, experimenting with watercolor, or conducting hands-on STEM activities, she ensures that every moment is an opportunity to build patience, perseverance, and confidence.

“The boys now are weaving,” Pam shares. “They’re learning patience, perseverance, and that some things take time to complete. At the end, they have something useful or fun to take home. That’s how I approach all learning—it doesn’t have to match a school curriculum to be valuable.”

One of her most rewarding activities involved teaching the boys about electricity. Instead of sticking to worksheets, she encouraged open-ended exploration. “They started with one battery and one light bulb, then two batteries and one bulb, then two batteries and two bulbs—experimenting, discovering, engaging,” she says. “That kind of learning gets them to enjoy the process, and that’s what so many of them have never experienced before.”

Why does she keep coming back?

Pam doesn’t just see students; she sees souls—young men created and loved by God, many of whom have never been told they matter. “A lot of these kids don’t think of themselves as important,” she says. “They feel like they have to fight for everything—just to be seen, to be heard, to have their turn.”

She recalls a simple but powerful moment with the boys during a clay project. “Their instinct was to grab what they wanted as fast as they could. I told them, ‘You don’t have to grab—I will make sure you get everything you need.’ And suddenly, the room became peaceful. They could create without fear because they knew I would take care of them.”

At Transform Ministries, we are beyond grateful for caring adults like Pam—individuals who pour their hearts into these boys. Thank you, Pam, for being the heart of InZone.

We are always looking for volunteers to plug into InZone. We do need help with academic tutoring, but more than that, we need adults willing to show up, invest in these young men, and remind them of their God-given worth. Even if you’re not confident in tutoring, your presence can reflect Christ’s love and show them they are seen, valued, and deeply loved by their Creator.

If you would like to get involved, please contact the InZone Coordinator.