Youth 71Five Ministries
(formerly Rogue Valley Youth for Christ)
“Lord God, you are my hope. I have trusted you since I was young.” Psalm 71:5 icb
Relational Ministry
We exist to share God’s story with young people through authentic relationships in any relevant way.
TRUST TO HOPE
Youth 71Five Ministries (formerly Rogue Valley Youth for Christ) provides many opportunities for loving, caring, Christ-following adults to engage in the lives of lost and hurting kids. We aim to bring hope through relationship; providing a safe place to belong and sharing the message of the Gospel. There are a number of ways for you to be involved in the work God is doing in the Rogue Valley – there is a place for you on our team! Young people desperately need your friendship and the love of Jesus in their lives. Through your involvement and God’s power, we will see young lives transformed.
kids need a safe place
Too many kids lack nurturing homes and a sense of belonging. At our 71Five Campus Youth Centers and 71Five City Community Center, kids find a safe, fun place to relax and caring adults who take the time to know them. 71Five Campus programs provide opportunities to discuss life lessons from a Christ-centered perspective. 71Five City is an effective ministry model to transform the lives of inner-city youth, their families and the neighborhood communities that they live in.
kids need hope and encouragement
Many young people make poor decisions related to drugs and violence. These kids often end up in Juvenile Detention Centers feeling broken and hopeless. And our 71Five Connect Workshop reaches kids with a powerful resiliency program in local schools. The 71Five Justice and 71Five Connect staff and volunteers offer listening ears and the hope and encouragement found in a relationship with God.
kids need someone to imitate
Kids are always looking for role models to imitate, but many are growing up in relational poverty where they have no good role models to follow. Our 71Five Justice, 71Five Mentors, 71Five Parents and 71Five VoTech mentoring programs provide young people with long term trusting relationships with adults that form the foundation for healthy influence.
we are unique in our work
Although we offer fun and helpful programs for kids, our real work is building the relationships necessary for kids to thrive. By providing places where youth feel secure, by delivering a message of real hope, and by being people kids can truly count on, we are seeing lives transformed.
We mobilize responsible caring adults to be engaged in authentic mentoring relationships with at-risk youth. These relationships are pivotal to building the foundation for guiding young people by helping them to develop the mental, physical, social, and spiritual components of their lives.
Youth 71Five Ministries Team
We are blessed to have a dedicated team of staff passionate about serving our local youth. Youth 71Five Ministries is not only a place to grow and develop professionally, it’s a place that will change you personally. We’re a place where careers in “raising lifelong followers of Jesus” are made. Youth 71Five Ministries is always searching for high-integrity individuals that desire to directly or indirectly impact youth. For general inquiries, please call our office at (541) 779-3275 or email office@71Five.org
Youth 71Five Ministries, (formerly known as Rogue Valley Youth for Christ), exists to share God’s story through authentic relationship in any relevant way. We believe that influence happens best through healthy, authentic relationships.
Youth 71Five Ministries Includes:
Within these ministries, 71Five Camp, 71Five Campus, 71Five City, 71Five Connect, 71Five Justice, 71Five Mentoring, 71Five Parents, and 71Five VoTech; We mobilize responsible caring adults to be engaged in authentic mentoring relationships with at-risk youth. These relationships are pivotal to building the foundation for guiding young people by helping them to develop the mental, physical, social, and spiritual components of their lives.
71Five Events:
Youth 71Five Ministries (formerly Rogue Valley YFC) is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization supported through the generosity of individuals, foundations and businesses like you. Check out these great ways to participate and fundraise for a great cause!
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Youth 71Five Ministries Involvement:
Oregon Business magazine announced Youth 71Five Ministries (formerly Rogue Valley YFC) is a 100 Best Nonprofit to work for! Youth 71Five Ministries is not only a workplace to grow and develop professionally, it’s a place that will change you personally. Our organization is also proud to be a GuideStar Platinum Nonprofit Profile participant. Platinum lets us show quantitative metrics on the progress we’re making toward our mission. We thank God for your generosity and we promise to use your financial gift wisely. Youth 71Five Ministries depends on the involvement of caring adults to accomplish our mission—to reach local teens with the message that God loves them and has a plan for their lives. We are asking God to raise up an army of caring adults who will establish relationships with the youth in our communities. We need volunteers who will serve directly with students, mentoring advocates, intercessors, financial partners, and administrative help in the office. Wherever your gifts and talents lie, you can make an eternal difference in a young person’s life.
you can get involved
Operating in Jackson and Josephine Counties: (5) 71Five Campus programs, (4) Youth Centers, (2) 71Five City Community Centers, and (1) 71Five VoTech Training Center. Additional mentoring through 71Five Justice, 71Five Parents, and 71Five Mentors initiatives. 71Five Connect youth resiliency workshops for Middle School and High School students and teachers. 71Five Camps for Middle School and High School kids in the summer.
Life Change Kid Story Blog:
18
Apr '19
Sometimes, God opens doors slower than you’d like.
18
Apr '19
Since I started working as the area director for Phoenix and Talent, the big goal has been to get into the schools and build relationships with the youth in my communities. I thought that would be a simple and quick process, but I learned I needed to connect with staff before I could volunteer at all. It took some time but as God worked on my patience the connections started rolling in, and now I have invitations to volunteer at Phoenix Elementary, the High School, and Talent Middle School. At the Elementary school, I help with recess. There’s chaos as children run around, yell, laugh, play games, and I get to join the fun. Many kids are excited to have an adult give them special attention – even if it is just in playing a game of soccer – and it isn’t hard to see some crave attention because there’s no one at home to give it. “Thank you so much for volunteering,” a staff member said, “so many of them come from broken homes. They need a positive influence in their lives.” Many of them have single parents, who struggle to make ends meet and raise their kids at the same time. These kids are hurting, lost, and aching for the empty place in their heart to be filled with love.
In God’s perfect timing, He’s brought me to these schools to reach these young people with the only love that can bring them eternal comfort – the love of Jesus Christ. When you support our ministry, you provide for these lost and broken children who ache to be loved. Your involvement brings trust that leads to hope for the youth in Phoenix and Talent.” – CAMERON HOEHNE 71Five Campus Area Director – Phoenix /Talent cameron@71Five.org
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11
Apr '19
experience freedom
11
Apr '19
I could tell you plenty of shocking stories of trauma and brokenness… But this time, I want to share about a young man who went through just the right amount of pain to make some big changes in his life. I met Israel at the detention center and after the group meeting, I had a chance to talk with him alone. He told me my story spoke loudly to him. He said, “I’m ready to turn my life around, never again to return to detention.” We talked through the steps and changes that would be necessary for him to experience freedom in his life. He then asked the Lord to come into his life and direct him. After he was released, I gave him a new Bible and took him to church. He said the message really applied to his life and he liked it. We grabbed a burrito afterward and he shared how he’d quit drinking alcohol, smoking pot, and cigarettes. He deleted all of his social media accounts and was loving it.
He’s now planning to join the biking program 71Five Justice offers and I plan to meet with him regularly. Please pray for this young man as he begins his new life, and thank you for partnering with us, you are making a difference! BEAU JESKA 71Five Justice Director beau@71Five.org
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04
Apr '19
U’re no accident!
04
Apr '19
A middle school boy who goes to our North Medford 71Five Campus Youth Center told me he didn’t believe in God but rather believed in a “multiverse” where our universe is just part of an infinitely random realm. He also shared he believed we were just lucky things turned out the way they did for us to be alive. Over the course of the next 2 months, I built a strong relationship with this boy and I shared reasons why he can believe the Bible and why he can put his faith in Jesus. Very recently he told me he now believes Jesus is God and died to take away his sins. I now have the privilege of discipling this young man into a deeper relationship with Christ and for him to understand we are not an accident but rather wonderfully designed by God for a purpose. If you’re a part of Youth 71 Five Ministries, thank you so much for what you do to help reach young people like this. There are so many kids who just need to hear they are not an accident, but they are loved by Jesus and can be forgiven. If you’d like to get more involved, give us a call at (541) 779-3275 or find us on the web at 71Five.org… Thank you! TIM HARDY 71Five Campus Area Director – North Medford tim@71Five.org
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29
Mar '19
darkest of places
29
Mar '19
How do you bring hope to a young gal who just received a 25-year prison sentence? She won’t be free until her late thirties and she carries the weight of guilt. What can be done to convince this gal there will be good in her future? It started with a caring adult who met her in detention, consistently spent time and built trust. Over the last few months this girl and her adult friend talked and talked about life, this girl’s pain and her fears. During these conversations the girl heard she could be forgiven, accepted into the family of God and He’s always there to watch over her no matter where she goes. This little gal ‘went all in’ and hasn’t looked back. She still struggles with fear and wishes she didn’t have to face the consequences of her crime, but she looks toward the future with real hope. She’s even now experiencing a hope that has brought her to life in what would seem the darkest of circumstances. Thank you so much for caring enough to provide this! You bring trust into the broken lives of kids which leads to love, peace and hope in the darkest places. – BUD AMUNDSEN 71Five Executive Director bud@71Five.org
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22
Mar '19
This Amazing Young Lady!
22
Mar '19
Miranda is soft-spoken and reserved but has a smile that fills the room! Over the last several months Miranda has increased in her sociability with others in our 71Five Mentors Elementary Club… students and adults alike. She actively participates in the group by asking and answering questions, shares her memorization skills by telling us the Bible verses she learned last year, and one night she brought her new guitar to share her musical abilities. It is an honor to witness this amazing young lady grow and blossom right before our eyes. She is not yet matched with her own mentor but we already recognize her confidence sprouting in the group mentoring setting.
Many kids like Miranda are on a waiting list to receive a mentor. Would you pray about ways in which you could participate in sharing the love of Christ to these incredible young people? MISTY DUKE 71Five Mentors Director misty@71Five.org
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14
Mar '19
the happiness myth
14
Mar '19
Each Tuesday we have our 71Five VoTech life-skills training class… Many people today call them ‘Adulting’ classes. We cover 12 topics ranging from personal banking to workplace communication. Last week our topic was “the myth of happiness.” Anyone who’s connected to modern media has been deeply affected by the happiness myth. Over time we begin to believe our purpose in life is to be happy. If we could just have that new car, house, boat, hairstyle, vacation, etc… We’d be happy. Sadly, as soon as we get what we want the happiness begins to fade and we find ourselves looking for the next thing.
All 6 young adults in the class shared they often felt sad because they didn’t have the money to buy the things they needed and wanted. Chris shared “I’m going to be a millionaire so then I’ll be happy and help my family be happy.” When I explained money couldn’t make him happy, he disagreed. Which led to a great group discussion about what really makes us happy. During the discussion we explained, happiness is the body’s response to achieving goals. As we set and then achieve a goal our body rewards us with a good feeling. As a result, happiness is not a constant state in which we can stay. Happiness and sadness are just feelings that come and go based on circumstance. At this point Anthony asked, “so what is my purpose?” Great question!
I wish every struggling kid could have been with us to hear what our true purpose in life is. The look of hope that follows this message is amazing; that our purpose is to love and be loved by Jesus, and in doing so bring glory to God. Come join our team and help us reach young people with the message of their true purpose. – TODD SORENSEN 71Five VoTech Director todd@71Five.org
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07
Mar '19
Friday Night Club
07
Mar '19
Youth 71Five Ministries provides a safe place for kids in our community. A six grade boy came up to me the other day during our Friday Club Night and asked me if he could please stay. “No one is at my house and my mom won’t be home until the bar closes.” He was not supposed to come that week because he had gotten in trouble the week before… We worked out an alternate form of restitution and he was able to hang out with us for the evening. The same young man told me just a few weeks before, “I wish I was Jesus, so I could help my family.”
It’s true, only Jesus can bring real help to his family. Thank you!! You provide a safe place where this young man can hear about the hope that’s only found in Jesus. ROBERT MILTON 71Five Campus Area Director – Eagle Point robert@71Five.org
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01
Mar '19
Can You Explain Forgiveness?
01
Mar '19
At 71Five City, there’s a single dad who has brought his daughters for about 3 years. A nice guy, hard worker and a good dad. I can see in his eyes he’s exhausted by Friday night yet he often stays to helps clean up. A few weeks ago he took me aside and said, “I need to speak to you”. As we sat at the table he leaned in and yelled: “Explain forgiveness? There’s so much evil in this world. How can God forgive evil people?” I shared with him that God’s grace is available to anyone that would believe. God sent His son, Jesus who died for us and rose again so anyone who wanted His free gift of freedom and eternal life can have it. Even people who had done evil things. By the end of our time, this dad was amazed by the truth of the Gospel. He said he’d never looked at God’s love that way. Then he asked if we could meet again because he wants to learn more about Jesus and the Bible. And we will.
Each Friday, here at 71Five City, I present the Gospel to kids in some creative way, but I know the parents are also listening. In 1 Peter 3:15 it says, “But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.”
Thank you, my friends, for creating a safe place for kids… and parents, to hear the message of Hope that’s within you and me. – LARRY LICATO, 71Five City Director larry@71Five.org
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20
Feb '19
Surviving the Holidays
20
Feb '19
We’ve all heard the term “Surviving the Holidays.” Getting the family together, deciding who’s bringing what, shuffling through the crowds to get those last-minute items, and racking up those credit cards. For most of the Youth 71Five kids “Surviving the Holidays” takes on a different meaning. After group one night, I asked Kiara how her Thanksgiving was. She replied “hmm, ok.” As I dug a little deeper, she said “I spent the day in my room by myself. I didn’t want to go with my mother to her friend’s house because I don’t want to be around the drinking.” Kiara’s Christmas at home was very similar. “My mom and her boyfriend were fighting so I just stayed in my room all day.” While most of us are “Surviving the Holidays” so to speak, there are youth in our community who really are.
Here’s what else Kiara was up to during the holidays. 71Five Campus had a Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner, we built gingerbread houses, had a gift exchange, and went ice skating. Due to our generous donors, Kiara was able to attend our high school camp in Sunriver. At camp, Kiara told me she wanted to get baptized. She’d prayed to God she could be the light that enters her home and brings her mother to Jesus. I’d been asking God how I could help these families to know Christ. He answered me that day with… “Teach my children and they will know Me.”
Thank you for providing the message of hope through trusting relationships. God is using you to change lives! – FARRAH GUTHRIE, 71Five Campus Area Director – Grants Pass farrah@71Five.org
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14
Feb '19
a Senior Project
14
Feb '19
The first meeting… there’s always a ‘first meeting’ with every kid. This is the time to get acquainted… but more importantly, it is time to lay a foundation of trust and respect. Like steel in concrete, trust & respect create a solid base upon which to build a relationship and become positioned to share the hope that can be found in knowing God & His Son, Jesus. Yesterday was the first meeting with Michael & Jeff. As their Senior Project to graduate from Central High School they will partner with me to set up and host the next 71Five Connect Workshop. As 71Five Connect alumni, they know its value to their fellow students. I must encourage, challenge, and help build them to become more than they are, to have a greater vision for who they might become. First meetings are critical because from small beginnings the course of a life may be changed for all eternity.
God has opened a door through Youth 71Five Ministries for more of His people to bring life-changing hope into the lives of kids… join us in the mission.- MATT SWEENEY, 71Five Connect Director and Ministry Coordinator matt@71five.org
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