Jainah Clark has spent the last three years serving as Executive Director at Teen FLOW Youth Ministry, located at 711 S Main Street in Midland, Texas. In her role, she manages daily operations, oversees staff and volunteers, and helps shape the lives of countless teenagers by providing them with structure, faith-based learning, and support.
Clark joined Teen FLOW in the fall of 2021, shortly after the disruptions caused by Covid-19. She took on the challenge of restoring structure for students and implemented systems that emphasized accountability and "tough love." Her responsibilities include leading a team of five full-time employees, four part-time workers, and a network of volunteers. Together, they provide mentorship, transportation, and kitchen services.
"Teens crave structure more than we realize," Clark says. "When mentors hold the line with wisdom, firmness, and gentleness, students feel loved and come back for more. That is what they ultimately desire—God's love."
Under Clark’s leadership, Teen FLOW has continued its mission to create a space where the gospel is the foundation for developing Godly, productive lives.
Clark’s passion for serving others began before her work at Teen FLOW. She spent 15 years working with underserved populations, including as a Primary Chaplain at Union Gospel Mission’s Center of Hope in Dallas. Growing up as a pastor’s child, her upbringing emphasized outreach, and she witnessed firsthand how her parents, Pastor Calvin and De Clark of Denton Bible Church, modeled discipleship in inner-city communities, according to Clark during an interview with Midland Times.
Her dedication to mentoring youth aligns with Teen FLOW’s mission to guide teens toward leadership, regardless of their background or struggles. "It’s all about the teens," Clark says, noting that this shared purpose keeps her motivated.
Clark plans to continue using her creativity and leadership skills to develop tools and systems that resonate with the teens she serves. Under her guidance, Teen FLOW received the prestigious Abell-Hanger Innovation Award, which enabled the organization to build a recording and production studio at the youth center. The new resource provides a creative outlet and teaches students valuable skills.
Teen FLOW operates on an "entertain, then educate" model. Staff and volunteers pick up teens from local schools on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and provide meals, games, worship, and interactive Bible studies at the youth center. On average, they engage with 120 teens weekly after school and reach an additional 2,500 students during their "Lunch Bunch" outreach, in collaboration with First Presbyterian Church and First Priority.
Clark encourages anyone interested in Teen FLOW to get involved. "I have a front-row seat to see transformation, and there’s room on my row for more," she said.
The community is invited to support the ministry by attending their annual fundraiser, Fallapalooza, on October 3, at the Summit Center. The event will feature live music, pumpkin activities, and more. For details, visit www.teenflow.com/events.
Stay tuned for more articles spotlighting the team at Teen FLOW Youth Ministry. Keep reading to learn about the dedicated staff and volunteers who make a difference in the lives of Midland’s youth. If you would like to highlight your team or company, please contact Kim@midlandtimes.com
