REALIZING…POTENTIAL…
MAXIMIZING…ACHIEVEMENT...

Restore Ministries is a community-rooted youth development nonprofit helping youth and families realize their full potential through faith, support, and opportunity.

Supporting Youth Every Step of the Way

Since 1994, Restore Ministries has been a youth development nonprofit serving students and families throughout Elizabeth, New Jersey, and Union County. Founded on the belief that every young person deserves opportunity, encouragement, and a community that believes in their future, Restore provides mentorship, after-school support, educational enrichment, leadership development, STEM learning, arts programming, cultural experiences, and lifelong relationships that help young people realize their potential.

Over the last three decades, Restore has helped students overcome obstacles, discover new possibilities, and build brighter futures—from elementary school through college, career, and beyond. Whether through academic support, enrichment programs, summer experiences, mentorship, or community connection, Restore remains committed to ensuring that every child has access to the opportunities, resources, and support systems they need to thrive. We invite parents, volunteers, donors, mentors, and community partners to join us in investing in the next generation.

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Youth & Families

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in 2025

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Families & Students

“Together, we are helping youth envision brighter futures, set meaningful goals, and discover their path to success.“

Linwood Bagby | Founder and CEO of Restore Ministries

Stories & News

Ministry Update

Bridges in Motion: Winter Highlights and a Summer of Service on the Horizon

It’s been an incredible winter at Restore Ministries, and we’re so excited to share how much our community has grown. With 21 middle and high schoolers connecting with us, our space is buzzing with energy, learning, and a real sense of belonging. We’re also stoked to welcome Jarry and Gerson, who joined the crew three weeks ago; they’ve already jumped into our weekly meetings and are gearing up to be teen workers at our summer day camp, and head to Philly for our August mission trip! FROM... read more

Alumni Story

Erik’s Testimonial “My Journey”

I went to summer school in 7th, 8th, 9th grades. Those were frustrating and troubling years. I struggled because I wasn’t focused, and school was stripping the confidence out me. Because of my negative experiences and constant disappointments, I decided that having fun was better than trying to be a better student. I really didn’t know how to turn my academics around. I was a member of Restore since 4th grade. Mr. Bagby and Ximena were always telling me that I had potential. I didn’t believe them.... read more

Board Message

A Message from the Board: Transforming Lives Together

The Restore Board extends its deepest appreciation for the extraordinary support we received in 2025 from our volunteers, partners and donors. Because of your generous investment of time and resources, our members and their families received the services and programs necessary to move toward hope-filled futures. Within the cities of Elizabeth, Linden, Union, Rahway, and Roselle, God’s love is being shared, and new possibilities are being realized. Truly, you are transforming lives! Celebrating Our 2025... read more

Real Stories.
Real Impact.

At Restore Ministries, students are discovering confidence, friendship, leadership, purpose, and hope for the future through mentorship, educational support, after-school programs, enrichment activities, leadership development, and meaningful community connections.

Programs

“It’s (Restore Ministries) helped me learn about things like mindset and life skills stuff that we don’t really get to talk about in class.”

Ahmad • 5th Grade

“I loved the Sky Zone trip, but what really stood out was how everyone encouraged each other; it felt like family.”

Javon • 10th Grade

“Since being in Restore, I’ve learned that I’m a better leader than I thought. I’ve been in situations where I had to guide others, and it helped me to grow. The program has also helped me stay on top of my schoolwork and build confidence.”

Joshua • 11th Grade

Partners & Supporters

The community is the real support base of Restore Ministries. Churches, businesses, foundations, donors, and local partners help make it possible for Restore Ministries to provide mentorship, educational enrichment, leadership development, and meaningful opportunities for youth and families throughout Union County.