At 71Five it’s so easy to get distracted from our Mission as we work hard to meet the needs of kids. There are so many struggles they are facing. So… it’s incredibly important to pause and remember what we’re doing. I wrote this synopsis a couple years ago and I think it’s a good reminder of what we do.

 

What you do is powerful, seeing young people and providing trust that leads to hope! It changes lives forever.

 

 

 

 

A young lady with an awesome attitude and lots of potential joined our last class and took off like a rocket. This young lady faces many challenges in her life yet faces them head on. She’s all about asking questions and listened intently, whether to the training or when we shared God’s word at the end of the evening. She immediately absorbed the names of tools and the proper use of them, like socket wrenches and torque wrenches. My favorite comment from her came when we planned an upcoming brake repair. She said, “I’ve done a few of these… I got this… easy!” About 10 weeks into our class, she said something I really didn’t see coming, “Can I apply to be a Volunteer; I’d love to be a part of all that’s happening here!”

 

Because of your faithful love and support, this young lady went from “What’s a Voltmeter?” to “Can I volunteer?” She’s going to be a wonderful asset to 71Five VoTech and any auto shop she applies to. Thank you for being a part of this amazing transition for this young lady and many other students like her!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kacey shared her confusion with us on her second night attending 71Five Parents. She asked, “Isn’t this a Christian place?” I agreed, “Yes it is.” She continued with, “I am surprised you would have a group for us; don’t you see our babies as sins?” I could see the eyes of everyone else seeking the same answer. That night they left hearing that God loved each of them, loves each of their babies, and created them all for a purpose.

 

Thank you for caring! With your prayers, time, and financial partnership; young parents like Kacey can have a safe place where they can belong, and be affirmed of their identity in Christ.

 

 

 

 

I first met Andrew in October while delivering lunches to kids in West Medford. Two middle school aged boys were riding by on skateboards. I attempted to wave them down asking if they needed any lunches. Without even looking at me they both stated, “We’re good!” as they passed by. I responded, “I’ve got chocolate milk!” Andrew made a quick U-turn and said, “You should have just said you had chocolate milk…” as he took a half gallon. A couple of months later, while kids were arriving at our Christmas celebration, I went out to greet two of our regular girls from 71Five City youth group meeting we call ‘club’. As I approached the car Andrew was sitting in the front seat with the girl’s mom. Come to find out Andrew is their big brother. I asked, “Wow bro, when are you going to come check out club?” He said, “I don’t know, isn’t it for kids.” A few days later, I followed up with his mom and she explained he had gotten into trouble and must go to court soon… Fast forward to March, the day after St. Patty’s day, I see the two girls and their big brother Andrew walking in the front door of club. The girls rushed to their regular seats to have dinner. I asked Andrew, “Are you dropping them off?” He replied, “Nope, I’m staying.” Andrew came right in, joining the other kids eating green pancakes, drinking green leprechaun juice, and competing in a very serious game of musical chairs. I was able to chat with him a little during his visit. He shared that he was nervous about going to court and that he hoped to get probation. When I asked him what he thought about club. He said, “I like it, I’ll be coming back.”

 

Thank you for providing a safe place at 71Five where kids like Andrew can come and get a fresh start.