Help Restore the Rock

Hello Everyone, 

My name is Jack Allen. I am a recently retired youth pastor and the founder of a non-profit organization called Area Youth Ministries (A.Y.M.). A.Y.M. has purchased Sandstone, Minnesota's old school building in order to remodel and transform it into a youth center and community outreach building, also known as The Rock. A.Y.M has not only saved one of Sandstone's few historical landmarks but also plans to develop its future. The Rock, which has been vacant for over ten years, has endured many break-ins and vandalisms, but it still stands tall.

In order to see this project through and to continue on the journey that could lead to one of the best things to enter into Sandstone's city limits, we need funding. The money raised will go towards a full remodel of the interior and roof of this 75,000 square foot building, which includes: complete renovation of walls, ceilings & floors, replacing items broken or stolen from countless break-ins, all electrical & plumbing, replacing windows, a new furnace, etc..


Throughout the city of Sandstone, there is currently no place where students can go to be in a safe, positive, and enriching environment. Inside The Rock, our vision is to begin a youth and community center.  This will be a place where kids can come to a safe environment where they will be positively influenced and stay out of trouble, as well as a place where young adults can come to hang out or relax over a cup of coffee.

Our plans include non-competitive sports where young people can come and play for fun (basketball, dodgeball, floor hockey, etc.), an indoor archery course, music lessons, as well as tutoring where students can receive extra help when needed.  Plans also include a coffee shop, a few retail shops, adult education dealing with family issues, anger management, and addictions, as well as a meeting place for those in our community.   Our goal is for The Rock to be a shining light in the city of Sandstone. There are countless opportunities in how we can utilize this building, and it all begins with you.

Restoring The Rock has been a passion of A.Y.M. for several years. Our desire is for it to be a safe and refreshing environment for youth and families within the community that will help model lives after the wise man in the Bible who "built his house upon The Rock."

We will be more than grateful for any support that is given. Our goal is to raise two million dollars, which is a lot of money, but we know that the Lord will provide.

Thank you for your consideration and support.