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 >>>
“Don’t brag about what will happen tomorrow. You don’t really know what will happen then.” — Proverbs 27:1 . 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?
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Life Change Stories
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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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25
Sep '23
People Care
25
Sep '23
Tami shared with me that although life has been stressful lately; she loves her job. Sometimes she brings her daughter with her to work, and her daughter watches tv while Tami cares for residents, cleans or does laundry. After her work shift Tami walks a block carrying her sleeping daughter home. She said, “If it wasn’t for the support of 71Five Parents, things would be much harder.” Attending Parent Night each Monday helps her feel supported. It’s one night per week she doesn’t have to shop or cook, her daughter can play, and she can get support from people who care. Tami did not know the Lord when she first started coming to 71Five in October of 2021. She said that every time she attends Parent Night she feels a, “Safe, inviting presence.” Tami now has a relationship with the Lord, she says “I believe in Jesus.”
Thank you for providing a safe place and hopeful future to young mothers like Tami and their children. You are truly the hands and feet of Jesus.
BREANNA STOUTENBURGH, 71Five Parents Coordinator
(541) 941-7697 | breanna@71Five.org
“Lord God, you are my hope. I have trusted you since I was young.” Psalm 71:5 ICB
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19
Sep '23
Who would have thought?
19
Sep '23
Our conversation began about a TV show called: “Stranger Things”. I was caught up on it since I’d just binged watched it, and Zoey and Lilly now knew that. They had been riding scooters to pick up food from the local food pantry. But as the minutes went by, then an hour, and then another hour, they missed picking up food and I was late for lunch. There wasn’t a mention of Jesus in this conversation but, He was there. Those hours became days, then months, and a year later they sat in church with Debi, one of our 71Five Campus leaders. Who would have thought a conversation about a TV show would lead to attending church?
The girls have received Bibles and are asking important questions. While they have their hiccups, they’ve become a crucial part of our program in Shady Cove. They volunteer their time to move piles of dirt and they also come to help with our Kid’s Club… “Who would have thought?” Thanks for seeing the importance of opening a safe place to belong in Shady Cove.
WILL ARIAS, 71Five Campus Coordinator – Shady Cove
(541) 841-6400 | will@71Five.org
“Lord God, you are my hope. I have trusted you since I was young.” Psalm 71:5 ICB
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13
Sep '23
David & Goliath Exposed
13
Sep '23
Today, I can’t help but think of Demitri’s unforgettable experience. During a routine club game, I cracked a light-hearted joke about David and Goliath, assuming he’d get the reference. To my surprise, Demitri had never heard of this biblical tale of a child killing a giant with little more than faith in God. That moment marked a turning point in my understanding of our mission here at Youth 71Five Ministries. It hit me hard that there are local youth who have never been exposed to the encouragement the gospel of grace provides. These simple stories inspired me as a child to be courageous, but what about Demitri today?
The next time I saw him he rushed up, exuberantly identifying himself as David and me as Goliath. It was a reminder that the simplicity of the gospel is always at work! I now pray for more opportunities to share the greatness of the Lord with Demitri, and others like him. This incident is etched in heaven as a record of a young soul embracing the gospel, reaffirming my faith in God’s faithfulness, assurance of Kingdom expansion.
TROY ELLIS, 71Five City Coordinator – West Medford
(541) 538-0207 | troy@71Five.org
“Lord God, you are my hope. I have trusted you since I was young.” Psalm 71:5 ICB
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05
Sep '23
Final Night at 71Five Camp…
05
Sep '23
One year ago, I had the honor of baptizing Hailie. Since then, she began sharing Jesus with her cousin, Kadence. A few weeks ago, I received a call from Hailie, who was eager to include Kadence in 71Five High School Camp, and asked if she could come even though Kadence lives in Washington. I replied, “Of course!”
Just days before the camp, I had the pleasure of meeting Kadence. She, along with three other girls, came to camp. Throughout camp, I had the privilege of ministering to Kadence, and so did her three friends. It was truly heartwarming to witness these young women earnestly sharing the love of Jesus through both their words and actions. On the final night Kadence wanted to join us in communion. I asked if she had accepted Jesus and she said, “No, but I want to right now,” I prayed with her and when I looked up I saw beaming smiles and even a few tears from her friends. They rejoiced in the knowledge that they would share eternity with Kadence.
The impact with Kadence has been immeasurable and everlasting. You have been instrumental in providing opportunities for remarkable transformations in young lives like Kadence’s.
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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29
Aug '23
I’m bursting with pride . . .
29
Aug '23
I am bursting with pride and excitement as I share the incredible journey of our student, Paul, whose life has been forever changed by 71Five’s VoTech training program in Grants Pass. “71Five started my career!” Paul said “Thank you guys for everything. You have no idea how much the program helped me.”
When Paul first joined us, college felt like a distant dream, but with unwavering support from each of you, he found his way. Through your generosity, Paul discovered new strengths and talents he never knew he had. Now, he’s all set to begin college at Universal Technical Institute in Sacramento this September.
Your belief in the power of education and mentorship has made a profound impact on Paul’s life. Your support didn’t just open doors for him; it ignited a fire in him to succeed and thrive. As an instructor at 71Five, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude for making stories like Paul’s possible. Together, we are transforming lives, one young heart at a time.
JONATHAN MASON, 71Five VoTech Assistant Coordinator – Grants Pass
541.450.3430 | jonathan@71Five.org
“Lord God, you are my hope. I have trusted you since I was young.” Psalm 71:5 ICB
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22
Aug '23
Jesse was hit with another blow. . .
22
Aug '23
Jesse was a middle school student when I first met him. He started with 71Five back in the fifth grade at our Eagle Point center and recently graduated high school. Jesse’s life always seemed challenging with his dad leaving and years of living in a cheap motel with his mom and 3 brothers. Jesse and his family moved to Medford a few years ago and dropped off the radar. Then this past winter he showed back up at 71Five Campus in North Medford. He was attending both High School and College and Career clubs when Jesse was hit with another blow… his mom died suddenly. Jesse is grappling with his future as his oldest and younger brother face mental challenges and Jesse’s second oldest sibling is doing his best to provide for them all.
During the recent 71Five High School Camp, I encouraged Jesse to think of questions hindering his trust in God. Jesse privately wrote down two questions: “How can I possibly forgive my dad?” and “Why does God let me suffer so much?” Remarkably, without sharing those questions, Jesse’s small group discussed “Forgiving the unforgivable,” closely followed by the main speaker addressing why God allows suffering. These answers seemed tailor-made from God, leaving Jesse in awe. Shy Jesse then found courage to share with the entire camp on the last night, his story of how God spoke to him.
Lots of other kids are finding answers to tough questions through the ministries of 71Five. If you’d like to go deeper in sharing hope with young people, we need financial partners, volunteers, staff, interns, and prayer warriors. Give us a call. In the words of the One who gives me hope, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.” Thank you for building trust that leads to hope.
TIM HARDY, 71Five Campus Ministry Director – North Medford
(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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14
Aug '23
A transformative influence to our youth . . .
14
Aug '23
Recently, I experienced a heart-wrenching loss of one of the young men I had been working with. The devastating reality of a drug overdose highlights the importance of our mission. This young man had once volunteered to share his story with Channel 12 News about how 71Five Justice and Break the Cycle had impacted his life. He spoke with sincerity about the transformative influence of the bike program and our detention center initiatives and how he saw me as a father figure in his life as I did my best to point him to Christ.
These stories are a stark reminder of the hunger for connection that these kids carry within them. The smallest acts of kindness and support can have a profound impact on their lives. His mother has offered some of his ashes to be spread on his favorite mountain bike trails we enjoyed together. This gesture reflects the deep connection and trust she has in the work we do, which ultimately allowed him to encounter the Gospel. Even though Matthew continued to struggle with his addiction, he made a sincere confession of faith, so I have hope that he is with his Heavenly Father now.
Thank you for joining in this important work, together we are making a difference for the Kingdom.
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
Aug '23
I’m not a big Facebook fan, but. . .
07
Aug '23
Personally, I’m not a big fan of Facebook and other social media sites but I maintain a presence because I never know how God might use it for His purposes. Yesterday I received this from Michelle: “Hey Matt, are you still available for check in’s?”
It’s been a decade since I last heard from Michelle. Now 26, the days she spent in juvenile detention are long gone but a relationship forged in difficult times is still important. I’m looking forward to hearing about her life and continuing to encourage her toward the Lord.
This isn’t the first message like this I’ve received through Facebook and I pray it isn’t the last. Trusting relationships should never end and ‘my kids’ from all of those years ago still hold a special place in my heart.
Trusting relationships and sharing God’s story of hope, this is the work of 71Five. Thank you for being a part of it.
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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31
Jul '23
Dealing with behavioral issues
31
Jul '23
I heard recently about a couple young men in our 71Five VoTech training program who are dealing with behavioral issues. They struggle to focus, follow instructions, and they create chaos everywhere they go. Their fathers attend the program with them because of their lack of control. It’s clear in our efforts to teach trade skills to these young men is taking its toll on everyone. The dads are worn out, our staff are worn out and they’re all wondering if anything worthwhile is being accomplished… but the boys are still coming, and the story isn’t over.
As we prayed for these boys at staff meeting, I realized… if not us, then who? These young men don’t fit in school. 71Five VoTech is really their only option to learn skills to become productive men. The incredibly patient staff and volunteer staff are the best chance these boys have. It’s in this patience and determination where our mission truly comes alive, where the real work is, where sacrifices for young people are made. But this is also where hard earned trust leads to hope.
Thank you for providing hard earned trust. It brings real hope.
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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