About Us

“The Fire Escape” was established in 1994, though its conception began years earlier at a youth group meeting at the Ukrainian Evangelical Assemblies of God Church on Stanley Terrace.  Short on space in the small church building, the young people of the church dreamed of a place that they could call their own — a safe house where they could meet, socialize and grow closer to the Lord.  After years of planning, an old warehouse on the church property was transformed into “The Fire Escape;” and the dreams of a young generation started to unfold.

The entire church banned together in this new-found mission — young and old alike.  A capital campaign was launched, where donors purchased “bricks” to help with the cost of the re-build.  Skilled tradesmen rose up from the congregation to donate their time and efforts during the construction.  And every single Saturday at 9:00 a.m., the doors of “The Fire Escape” opened to let in the most enthusiastic work crew of all — the youth group.  From sweeping to painting to installing cabinets, the young people worked hard to see their dream become a reality.  (And to get free pizza for lunch.)

The Fire Escape is an answer to prayer, and has become more than anyone involved had ever imagined.  It has served its primary purpose as a youth center where junior high and high school kids come to learn about God, have fun and be themselves.  It has also been home to many other youth groups through District Assemblies of God youth events, lock-ins and coffee houses.  Many of the nation’s top Christian music acts have graced The Fire Escape stage, such as All Star United, Rob Mathes, Shaded Red, Three Crosses, and Couple of Joe’s.  It’s a “Food Pantry” feeding over 150 families each week, and a clothing drive that regularly sends donated apparel to families in need, both domestically and abroad.  It served as a weekly sanctuary for a local Haitian Congregation for over eight years, and as regular Sunday School and Vacation Bible School classrooms since it opened.

Recently if underwent a renovation in early 2008 where the work was done by the youth of the church. The Fire Escape continues to reach out to the community on a daily basis.  It provides an inviting atmosphere, a safe haven, a spiritual altar, and constant opportunities to reach out to others in a world so desperately in need of Christ’s love.