DETROIT – Nestled in a west side Detroit neighborhood blocks from the Redford Township border is a school transforming the children that go there, and those within the community.
Westside Christian Academy was founded in 1994 by Daryl Ounanian, a pastor who is truly dedicated to his work, and his wife. Both of them are Detroit natives who led youth ministries in the inner city since the 70s and 80s.
To supplement his income, Pastor O, as he’s lovingly called, took a teaching job. Then, the school now known as Westside fell into his lap: It was a Christian school on the verge of closing, and Pastor O was asked to take over.
Taking his love for youth ministry in inner city communities and combining it with education, Ounanian took over and created a private school with one-on-one attention for students who attend. But the kids at the school aren’t the only priority -- the academy also has a community center for meetings, gatherings and an open gym for children in the neighborhood.
Click here to visit the school’s website for more information.
Watch the full story in the video player above.