Youth 71Five Ministries
“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 of hope with young people through trusting relationships in any relevant way.
Find out more about each of our unique youth activities by clicking the button >>>
“Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will have life even if he dies.” — John 11:25 . Powered by BibleGateway.com.
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TRUST TO HOPE
Youth 71Five Ministries 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, 71Five City Community Center and 71Five VoTech Training Centers, 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 trusting relationships with young people. We desire this for every young person in our valley. These relationships are the foundation for guiding young people according to the teachings of Jesus Christ – helping them to develop the mental, physical, social, and spiritual components of their lives. Young people will be given hope and purpose so they can thrive individually and strengthen our community.
Youth 71Five Ministry Activities…
Youth 71Five Ministries Includes:
Youth 71Five Ministries exists to share God’s story of hope with young people through trusting relationship in any relevant way. We believe that influence happens best through healthy, authentic, and trusting relationships.
We mobilize responsible caring adults to be engaged in trusting relationships with young people. We desire this for every young person in our valley. These relationships are the foundation for guiding young people according to the teachings of Jesus Christ – helping them to develop the mental, physical, social, and spiritual components of their lives. Young people will be given hope and purpose so they can thrive individual and strengthen our community.
Youth Event Registration:
Every month we usually do at least one extra activity.
Some examples of our activities are: Cave Quest, Snow-day, Paintball, Bowling, Fundraisers, Summer and Winter Camps, Rafting, Redding Water Slides, and lots more.
“Lord God, you are my hope. I have trusted in you since i was young.” [Psalm 71:5 icb]
Youth 71Five Ministries Involvement:
Oregon Business magazine announced Youth 71Five Ministries 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: (4) Youth Centers, (2) Community Centers, and (2) Training Centers. Building trusting relationships through these (8) initiatives: 71Five Camp, 71Five Campus, 71Five City, 71Five Connect, 71Five Justice, 71Five Mentors, 71Five Parents, and 71Five VoTech.
“Come to me, all of you who are tired and have heavy loads. I will give you rest. Accept my work and learn from me. I am gentle and humble in spirit. And you will find rest for your souls. The work that I ask you to accept is easy. The load I give you to carry is not heavy.” [Matthew 11:28-30 icb]
Ready to Volunteer?
Give us your info and we’ll be in touch.
Life Change Stories
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05
Dec '23
Feels Like Home
05
Dec '23
While in conversation with a few students, we started chatting about some of our favorite holiday traditions. They told me their favorites, and I told them some of mine. Some of them got distracted, until it was just Oliver and I. I asked “What are some of your favorite holiday traditions at home?” Oliver replied, “Well I don’t really have a home, 71Five is the closest thing I have to that.” I asked him to elaborate, and he shared that, unlike home, 71Five is consistent and stable, a place where he can relax and be comfortable. “This is the first place I’ve ever really felt safe.”
Unfortunately, this is the truth for many of our students… lost and broken children, desperately searching for a place to call home. Because of your faithfulness, we can provide consistent love and support to kids like Oliver, giving them a place to feel safe and secure. A place that feels like home.
SARA NIELSEN, 71Five Campus Coordinator – Central Point
(541) 816-6761 | sara@71Five.org
“Lord God, you are my hope. I have trusted you since I was young.” Psalm 71:5 ICB
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28
Nov '23
“To whom it may concern”
28
Nov '23
“To whom it may concern”, recently, I wrote a letter that started just that way. When it comes to the kids in our community, ‘whom it may concern’ is us. Stan recently graduated welding training at 71Five VoTech. Though both parents are at home and involved, home life still has many challenges due to a variety of factors. To look at Stan, most would see a good kid, and he is, but there’s much more going on inside. Stan’s real story brings concern. In the summer of 2022, Stan took the construction training with 71Five and now he has completed welding. More important, the connection with Stan is growing along with trust that leads to hope.
Thank you for being concerned about young people who look good on the outside but on the inside are struggling with hard challenges. Your concern is changing lives and that changes our community.
MATT SWEENEY, 71Five Ministry Director
541.301.8552 | matt@71Five.org
“Lord God, you are my hope. I have trusted you since I was young.” Psalm 71:5 ICB
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21
Nov '23
Following Wrong Voices
21
Nov '23
Andy’s past would probably make most people cry. In the last year, Andy’s life took another turn for the worse when he started using meth and couch surfing. He’s 18 now and hearing voices telling him to do things. I wish I was able to tell you Andy has taken a 180, has his life cleaned up, and is following Jesus but he isn’t there yet. He’s currently following the wrong voices in his head. It breaks my heart seeing him this way. All I can do is love on him like Jesus loves on me. Not every kid we have in our care turns to Jesus, but I am thankful for all of you who are giving young people the “opportunity” to turn to Jesus. Andy knows he can count on me. Someday, maybe he’ll be back. For now, it hurts as I watch and pray.
Thank you for continuing to care, even when we don’t always get to see the results we hope for. Thankfully, many others have had their lives changed 180 degrees. If you’d like to know more about how you can personally give young people like Andy the opportunity to know Jesus, give us a call or check out our 71Five.org website.
TIM HARDY, 71Five Campus Ministry Director
(541) 840-0960 | tim@71Five.org
“Lord God, you are my hope. I have trusted you since I was young.” Psalm 71:5 ICB
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15
Nov '23
Job Fair Success
15
Nov '23
Recently, I took 3 young men to a job fair in Canyonville, Oregon. One I met in Juvenile Detention almost 7 years ago. We have stayed in touch over the years and continue to have a close bond. There is something truly special about the friendships I have formed with the youth in Detention, and I feel so blessed to be a trusted person in their lives. The job fair was a huge success. Each of these young men found a different career path which suited them. The level of excitement in the van ride home was glorious. As we talked, they revealed just how hopeless they had been feeling without direction and purpose in their lives.
Thank you for partnering in this work of building trusting relationships that bring hope and purpose to bleak situations.
BEAU JESKA, 71Five Justice Ministry Director – Medford
541.601.9631 | beau@71Five.org
“Lord God, you are my hope. I have trusted you since I was young.” Psalm 71:5 ICB
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07
Nov '23
Finding an Example
07
Nov '23
There are 1000’s of young people in our community who are disconnected, discouraged, and directionless. They need someone to offer them time to connect, encourage, & guide them. Emma is just one of these young people. She reached out to 71Five Mentors because she wanted a one-to-one trusting relationship. So many young people like her are looking for this same thing. Emma is 15 years old and wants someone who will bring encouragement and fun into her life. She’s looking for someone she can learn from, find an example in, someone to help her set new goals & learn to keep boundaries. She’s interested in learning new things and exploring opportunities for her personal growth in the mental, physical, social, and spiritual aspects of her life through time spent talking and doing things together after school.
Like Emma, we have more young people struggling to find a safe adult to turn to for hope. With as little as 4 flexible hours per month you can make a life changing impact. Mentoring leads to God’s transforming hope one relationship at a time.
WENDY COLLINS, 71Five Mentors Coordinator
541.441.2495 | wendy@71Five.org
“Lord God, you are my hope. I have trusted you since I was young.” Psalm 71:5 ICB
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30
Oct '23
Choosing to live in the ‘fake life’. . . .
30
Oct '23
Do you know who Milla Sofia is? Milla is a completely artificial Virtual Influencer. “She” is projected as a beautiful woman from Finland living the perfect life, doing amazing things… but none of it’s real. “She” has made the news recently because people are interacting with her as a real person, asking her on dates, asking for advice, and following her on social media. What’s frightening isn’t Milla deceiving people, (Her producers are very clear that the perfect person living the perfect life is fantasy) it’s that young people know it’s fantasy but are choosing to live in the ‘fake life.’ Young people being addicted to fantasy which is much more appealing than reality. It’s clearly a trap and the results are devastating. Mental health issues, depression, and suicide are destroying young people at staggering rates because they are enticed by happiness in the ‘fake life’ but they can’t actually attain it. When the digital dream is better than real life, life becomes an unbearable burden.
Thank you for providing trustworthy, competent, and caring adults to each young person. A real person to get them out of the digital fantasy and experiencing actual life. Kids know real life is hard, it hurts, and often there’s good reason to try and escape it. But you can’t escape it for long. This is when a trusted friend who’s lived and learned that a bit of well-focused faith, perseverance and work can bring love, joy, and peace with God. The true best life.
BUD AMUNDSEN, 71Five Executive Director
541.301.0897 | bud@71Five.org
“Lord God, you are my hope. I have trusted you since I was young.” Psalm 71:5 ICB
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24
Oct '23
Bella from Georgia Brought the House Down!
24
Oct '23
Bella is a young girl who came to us from Georgia. She was at the lowest point in her life. She had no friends, she had dropped out of high school, and she felt hopeless. She showed up to 71Five VoTech in a black hoodie with the hood pulled up over her head. She hardly spoke to us, but she did say that she was interested in welding. Bella’s life changed. Within a few short classes Bella would be the first student to arrive. She no longer wore her hoodie over her head, she had a bright smile, and she became an excellent welder. Bella re-enrolled into high school at the nudging of the 71Five VoTech staff. In her own words, Bella said, “Since coming to VoTech, I gained a skill in the trades, friends, and a family.” Bella went on to design and weld window guards for the Salvation Army. She graduated from high school a year early and is now waiting to turn 18 to enroll in the Erickson Aviation Apprenticeship Program! Just this month Bella spoke at Southern Oregon University to a group of women about what 71Five VoTech means to her. She brought the house down. We are so proud of this young lady and the bright future that is in store for her.
Thank you for making life changing possibilities for all the young people like Bella.
TERESA HUTLEY, 71Five VoTech Case Manager – Medford
541.282.4689 | theresahutley@71Five.org
“Lord God, you are my hope. I have trusted you since I was young.” Psalm 71:5 ICB
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16
Oct '23
Until It’s Complete
16
Oct '23
Aiden has been coming to 71Five Campus for a little over a year. He’s got a huge personality! He loves to add his one-of-a-kind humor to any situation, and he sure does light up a room. 71Five had the opportunity to participate in the 4th of July parade in Eagle Point this year and Aiden didn’t hold back ANY of himself while helping represent the ministry. A little more about Aiden, is his love for God. About a year ago he took a huge step forward in his faith. He always loves learning more about Jesus, and I’ve witnessed God working in his life to help him grow. In a conversation we had recently, Aiden was talking about certain ways he acts or responds that he realizes is wrong, and that he’d like to change it. While Aiden had stated something he needed to work on, God helped me to see a work that had already been done… that IS being done right now. God is making Aiden’s heart more like His own. God promises that He will continue the good work that he has started in you until it is complete.
We are able to impact the lives of kids like Aiden, and help them grow closer to God through trusting relationships, and kids are presented with the opportunity to step out in faith, and press into God.
PETER KUHL, 71Five Campus Coordinator – Eagle Point
541.630.0648 | peter@71Five.org
“Lord God, you are my hope. I have trusted you since I was young.” Psalm 71:5 ICB
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09
Oct '23
Seeing a difference!
09
Oct '23
Crystal is popular and outgoing but has struggled to fit in our group, being distracted or being the distraction. But, at 71Five Camp this summer she felt at home and quickly made friends with an outstanding group of girls who are very involved at their church! With this being the first camp she’d ever been to, it was a very pleasant surprise! In the words of one camp volunteer, “She was like a completely different person.” Seeing such positive changes in a young person’s life is a win to celebrate! When these kids seek out and join a positive Christian group of friends, it’s an awesome thing! The Bible says that a friend doesn’t just sharpen you [Proverbs 27:17] but followers of Christ will show the world Jesus’ love in the way they love each other [John 13:35].
You are helping Crystal and many others make such positive, life-changing choices. Thank you!
SHANE SKIRVIN, 71Five City – Liberty Park Coordinator
(541) 646-1475 | shane@71Five.org
“Lord God, you are my hope. I have trusted you since I was young.” Psalm 71:5 ICB
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02
Oct '23
Not What You Want… What You Need!
02
Oct '23
Recently, I’d been concerned about a student whose demeanor had drastically changed and was showing signs of suicidal thoughts. As his mentor, I knew I had to do something, and I had to move quickly. The only hang up was my own insecurities and negative thoughts about whether I was the one who’d be able to help. Then the Lord began to reveal to me the truth about who, and what, He’s called me to do, and be. Ephesians 2:10 says we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. This is the exact affirmation I needed! The next time we met, I sat down beside him and reminded him of a conversation we had a couple months ago when he said God didn’t answer his prayers. I said, “I am the answer to your prayers. God doesn’t give us what we want, He gives us what we need. Sometimes that’s delivered in a nice wrapped up package together, but not always. God gave you me and I will do all I can to help, because I care.” In that moment, a glimpse of hope shown in his eyes and his burden lifted slightly.
These are the moments we at 71Five exist for; so we can share God’s story of hope through trusting relationships in any relevant way… because together, you and I, we care.
FARRAH GUTHRIE, 71Five City – Grants Pass Coordinator
(541) 840-6544 | farrah@71Five.org
“Lord God, you are my hope. I have trusted you since I was young.” Psalm 71:5 ICB
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