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 with young people through authentic relationships in any relevant way.
“Where God’s love is, there is no fear, because God’s perfect love takes away fear. It is punishment that makes a person fear. So love is not made perfect in the person who has fear.” — 1 John 4:18 Copyright © 2015. Powered by BibleGateway.com.
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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!
Ready to volunteer? Give us your info and we’ll be in touch.
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:
17
Feb '20
Where I got my start…
17
Feb '20
I have found amazing things happen by treating young people with respect, giving them projects to work on, and allowing them to make mistakes. We also need to listen to our youth. When we do these things… What I found is “They thrive.” Many of the youth come from horrendous home lives or no home lives at all, like the youth from 71Five Justice who spend 2 days a week in our 71Five VoTech training program. The boys recently built a large scrap wood box. As we painted it, one of the boys exclaimed, “I have never painted anything before in my life.” Later, while eating pizza after class, another young man called out, “Someday I’m bringing my family here to show my sons where I got my start.”
Pslam 22:6 states: Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it. The NIV renders train as “Start” This is how you are effecting the youth of our Rogue Valley build trust that leads to Hope. LARRY LICATO 71Five VoTech Director (541) 779-3275 larry@71Five.org
“Lord God, you are my hope. I have trusted you since I was young.” Psalm 71:5 ICB
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06
Feb '20
never alone
06
Feb '20
We recently took a group of High School students to Sunriver. This year’s trip seemed to impact all who attended. With tears in his eyes and a lump in his throat, Connor shared, “I have always been afraid of being alone. But, thanks to 71Five, I know now… I will never be alone!” Connor went on to share that because of the loving relationships he’s found at 71Five, he gave his life to Jesus. Connor knows God will always be with him in good times and bad. This knowledge has brought him hope. Connor also shared how grateful he is for all of his friends at 71Five… Friends that love well because they love Jesus!
Thanks to your partnership, young people like Connor have hope. Hope that can only come from Jesus through the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit. Thank you for bringing trust that leads to hope. ROBERT MILTON 71Five Campus Area Director & Ministry Coordinator (541) 779-3275 robert@71Five.org
“Lord God, you are my hope. I have trusted you since I was young.” Psalm 71:5 ICB
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27
Jan '20
murmur the love
27
Jan '20
He reminds me of my own son at that age— anxious, angry, scared. I see TJ my first night at 71Five City, pacing the parking lot murmuring rage and fear to nobody-in-particular. I invite him to join us, suggesting safety could be found inside. On club days, he spends 6 hours playing Xbox and jumping up and down right in front of the screen talking to, sometimes shouting at, the other characters. It’s what he needs to do, so we don’t hassle him. When we invite him for games and again for the lesson, he responds only to say no. After several weeks, he joins us at the game table, then at the sofas for the lesson. He even answers: one whispered word to the question, “Who is God?” — “Savior.”
You never know what they’re going to hear or when they’ll hear it… I’m glad there’s a safe space with caring adults who murmur the love of God and the hope of Jesus to anyone who will listen. 71Five City needs more caring adults who will support that safe space and make a difference in kids’ lives. Please contact us at www.71five.org or call (541 )779-3275 to find out how you can offer a message of love and hope. MICHAEL COOKE 71Five City Director (541) 779-3275 michael@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
Jan '20
“why so angry?”
24
Jan '20
The day before winter camp, Joey’s parents told me they don’t know why he’s so angry. As a youth leader, I’m always looking for opportunities to have meaningful conversations with students. After the trip, I told Joey’s parents I hadn’t found the right moment to talk. About an hour after I hung up, a student told me she had a conversation with Joey about his parents. She encouraged him to be respectful and to put more effort into being Christ-like. He confided that he really wanted a good relationship with his parents. Later, he told her camp changed his perspective and he wanted to spend more time with his parents.
I’ve come to realize it’s not always about my influence as director, it’s about the environment Youth 71Five Ministries creates. The conversation this student had with Joey was most likely far more effective than the one I’d have. Philippians 1:5-6 says, “…because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Wherever leaders, volunteers, and students gather, 71Five fosters an atmosphere where building trusting relationships lead to hope. FARRAH GUTHRIE 71Five Campus Area Director – Grants Pass (541) 779-3275 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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17
Jan '20
Building Better Futures
17
Jan '20
I counted 16 of them in the room that evening… kids really, yet not kids. They ranged in age from 16 to 19 and all of them were in the Transitional Living Program run by Hearts with a Mission. The transition they’re working on is from childhood to adulthood and Larry & I were there to help. Larry is the 71Five VoTech Director and together we spoke about the career & life opportunities 71Five offers through vocational training. After the pulled pork, we talked about the future… their future. 71Five VoTech exists to build better futures both here with career & life skills as well as a future of eternal life through Jesus.
When we were done most of these budding adults asked for applications but what they were really asking for, was hope and vision for a better tomorrow. Right now, 71Five VoTech needs men & women skilled in the trades, willing to share and help build that vision. Call us and let’s talk about how you can change lives. MATT SWEENEY 71Five Ministry Coordinator (541) 779-3275 matt@71Five.org LARRY LICATO 71Five VoTech Director
(541) 779-3275 larry@71Five.org
(541) 779-3275 larry@71Five.org
“Lord God, you are my hope. I have trusted you since I was young.” Psalm 71:5 ICB
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10
Jan '20
Harvesting Blessings
10
Jan '20
This last fall, at 71Five Parents, we started a weekly discipleship class with a couple of the moms attending we’ve known for about 8 years. Margarita is one of those moms. Over the years she’s been inconsistent in attendance, she’s had ups and downs in her personal life and relationships, and she’s had many questions about faith in Christ. Often we’ve felt unsure of how to encourage and walk alongside her.
Since we started this new class, she’s been coming faithfully each week and asking questions. We’ve seen her mature and make good choices in her personal life and relationships. We’ve watched as she’s taken the truths she’s learned about Christ and the Bible and applied them to her daily life. It is amazing to see the Lord continually working in her heart and life. We are seeing the harvest of blessing!
Thank you for not growing weary in doing what is good, for the Lord is at work, and at His proper time, we will see the harvest if we do not give up! APRIL BARSALOU 71Five Parents Assistant Director (541) 779-3275 april@71Five.org
“Lord God, you are my hope. I have trusted you since I was young.” Psalm 71:5 ICB
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20
Dec '19
remember the difference-makers
20
Dec '19
Take a moment and think of someone in your life who was a difference-maker for you. Isn’t it amazing how those memories stick with us? Would that person even remember it? Does it matter?
I recently bumped into a young lady I had met in Detention 2 1/2 years ago. She was so happy to see me and eager to tell me what an impact our discussions about Jesus had had on her life. What a blessing! When we are obedient to the calling God has placed on our lives, He does a mighty work… work that matters… work that endures. Her life is a testament to His power. Thank You, Lord that You did not give us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and a sound mind. Not our power, not our love, but Yours flowing through us. What we do matters, and He gives us the courage to walk out our calling, to help effect change that lasts an eternity.
Thank you for joining 71Five Justice in this work—your prayers, your resources, your time… all of these things make a difference. This young lady remembered it and she told me it mattered to her. BEAU JESKA 71Five Justice Director (541) 779.3275 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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16
Dec '19
Are they ready?
16
Dec '19
As a parent, it is hard to imagine that in only a few months my 14-year-old son will be allowed by the state to start driving me around the city with real people on the roads. As much as I love my son, the question keeps coming to mind, “Is he ready… or not?” As the 71Five Campus North Medford Area Director, I feel this way with a lot of the kids I work with. These kids are about to be released into the world and will be our next leaders or our next burdens on society. I would prefer they are followers of Jesus who will help correct many of the wrongs in our community. I often fear we may get instead: drug addicts, porn addicts, and alcoholics desperately searching for jobs they don’t qualify for. These kids are about to become “something”.
I’m thankful we have the transforming love of Jesus to share with these kids. I’m thankful for the few volunteers who step up and invest in the lives of these young people helping them make the right decisions. But, it often feels like it’s not enough. We desperately need more volunteers. We need more people who will help make a difference in the lives of teens. Young people are being formed into “something”… will you help transform them into Jesus followers?
Give us a call at (541) 779-3275 or visit our website at 71five.org to find out how you can make a difference in the life of a young person. TIM HARDY 71Five Campus Area Director – North Medford (541) 779-3275 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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09
Dec '19
“seeing” is the difference
09
Dec '19
Do you remember the movie ‘Avatar’? A small part of that movie has stuck with me… It’s the greeting of the natives— when they meet, they say, “I see you,” meaning: I’m with you, my attention is on you and I distinguish you as an individual. At Youth 71Five, “seeing” each young person drives us to be focused on individual, trusting relationships. Also, as the youth culture changes over time and from community to community, we’re willing to flex our methods to stay effective. Our recent push into VoTech training and the Mountain Biking program are two examples of this organizational value.
By “seeing” young people in this way, you provide the broadest opportunity for them to connect with a program they need and enjoy. You also provide a trusting relationship with a godly, caring adult who will also “see” them and meet their individual needs.
Thank you for “seeing” each young person! You provide trust that leads to an eternal and indestructible hope in Jesus Christ. BUD AMUNDSEN 71Five Executive Director (541) 779-3275 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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02
Dec '19
Can you do this simple act?
02
Dec '19
In the short time, I’ve been the Director of 71Five Mentors I’ve had a chance to visit some of our other ministry sites. One night at Juvenile Detention, our 71Five Justice team and I connected with a young girl who was struggling with her best friends’ suicide. She was upset and couldn’t find answers to her many questions, (including why He stopped her from ending her own life weeks before). With a listening ear, love, and friendship, we brought her hope for a better tomorrow through the Gospel of Jesus Christ. There are more at-risk youth like her across this valley that can be reached. 71Five Mentors currently has a list of kids K-12 waiting for caring adults to come alongside them and say, “I’ll be your friend.”
The time is now, because if not now, then when? If not us, then who? Can you do it? Will you be that friend? Call us at (541) 779-3275 and let’s talk about what it takes to connect with a kid. DARLENE HARPER 71Five Mentors Director (541) 779.3275 darlene@71Five.org
“Lord God, you are my hope. I have trusted you since I was young.” Psalm 71:5 ICB
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