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She Never Let Go

Posted on Jun 25, 2025 by Misty Duke | Life Change Story | 0

I met Heather when she was 15, living in a group foster home – guarded, worn by chaos, but quietly searching for something steady. Through 71Five, we introduced her to a mentor. That one connection changed everything. Now, 20 years later, she’s 35, married, and expecting her first child. The woman who threw her baby shower? That same mentor. The one who welcomed her in, stuck with her, and never let go. They’ve shared countless dinners, holidays, and milestones. Not because it was easy… but because love stayed. This relationship is the hands, feet, and heart of God. In a world of broken relationships and short attention spans, this is a glimpse of something holy: redemption that lasts.

From group home to growing family, from heartache to hope, she’s still following Jesus, and He’s still writing her story. Thank you for providing the connections that never let go!

MISTY DUKE, 71Five Development Director

541.301.7519 | misty@71Five.org

“Lord God, you are my hope. I have trusted you since I was young.” Psalm 71:5 ICB

“Do you work here or just come for fun?”

Posted on Jun 20, 2025 by admin | General | 0

Every week, two 6th grade twin sisters follow me around telling me every single detail about their lives, what they ate, who annoyed them, what they did last weekend, the whole thing. A few weeks ago, they brought a friend for the first time, and she fit right in like she’d always been here. She was super curious and full of questions. “Do you work here or just come for fun?” “Is this like a school?” “Do kids come every week?” “Can any kid come?” Then she got serious and asked, “How does this place make money? Do you sell stuff or something?” I told her we don’t sell anything, we’re able to do this every week because there are people who love Jesus and want kids to have a safe place to come and hear about God. So they give financially to make this happen. She looked at me like I had just said the craziest thing. “There are people who just give you money so we can have pizza?” I explained that it was more than that but, kind of. Then she asked, “Do all people do that?” I told her not everyone, but a lot of Christians use what God’s given them so they others can know Him. She nodded and said, “Well, when I get money, I’m gonna give it to kids who want pizza too!”

It was kind of a silly moment, but also really sweet. She got a glimpse of what makes this whole thing work, people giving so that kids can come, feel seen, and hear about Jesus. And maybe that conversation planted something in her heart too. I know you can’t be at every club activity but from all the youth and staff at 71Five, “Thank you!” Thank you for being a big part of the reason students like her get to experience this kind of community.

SARA VASSALLO, 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

Marcus’ Journey Thru Auto Maintenance

Posted on Jun 16, 2025 by admin | General | 0

Marcus came into 71Five’s VoTech Training quiet, unsure, and carrying the weight of a lot of past disappointment. At 17, he had bounced between schools, struggled with attendance, and never really found something that gave him a sense of purpose. He often said, “I’m just not good at anything,” and believed it. During the first few weeks of the basic auto maintenance course, Marcus barely spoke. He stayed in the background, watching the other students. But when we got to the section on changing oil and checking fluids, something clicked. With a wrench in his hand and his head under the hood, he came alive. For the first time, he wasn’t just listening he was engaged. He started asking questions, staying late to help clean up, and even helping the other students catch up. What stood out most was when his mom told us that for the first time in years, Marcus was excited to get up in the morning. “He’s talking about cars nonstop,” she said, holding back tears… “He told me, ‘Mom, I think I found something I’m good at!’”

More than learning how to maintain a vehicle, Marcus discovered that he’s not a mistake, not a failure. God used a simple tool and a basic skill to speak truth into his life that he was created on purpose for a purpose. Through 71Five VoTech, Marcus saw a glimpse of the man God created him to be capable, valuable, and not forgotten. This is why we appreciate your care for these young people!

AARON FAUST, 71Five VoTech Assistant Coordinator – Grants Pass

541.761.5143 | aaron@71Five.org

“Lord God, you are my hope. I have trusted you since I was young.” Psalm 71:5 ICB

Who doesn’t love second chances?

Posted on Jun 5, 2025 by Shane Skirvin | Life Change Story | 0

“Shane, you are one #$%*&#!” Brayden, a young man at my middle school club, had just told me clearly and articulately what he thought of me. He had been out of control and rude, yet when I confronted him about his behavior, he got mad at me (funny how that works). Regardless, I could tell that deep down, Brayden actually wanted to be at 71Five. Sure enough, the next week, he skateboarded back and apologized. While his behavior hasn’t always been great at Club–with ups and downs and ups again–he knows that we care and provide a safe space for him.

Because of you and your support, we can present the Biblical God who loves second chances to Brayden (see Luke 15:20). Just from talking to him, I can tell that Brayden has had people give up and walk away from him. Thanks to you, we are here and in his life to show him a different type of life and love. One that doesn’t abandon him when he’s going through a hard time, but one that loves, forgives, and even calls him to forgive others: Then Peter came up and said to him, “Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times. [Matthew 18:21-22] You are, quite literally, holding out a lifeline to kids like Brayden. Thank you so much for being a part of his story with your life-changing support.

SHANE SKIRVIN, 71Five Campus Coordinator – North Medford

(541) 646-1475 | shane@71Five.org

“Lord God, you are my hope. I have trusted you since I was young.” Psalm 71:5 ICB

What does mentorship look like?

Posted on May 28, 2025 by Beau Jeska | Life Change Story | 0

What does mentorship look like? Sometimes, it’s a call out of the blue from a kid you once ministered to in detention. Recently, I heard from a young man who was fired up about launching his own landscaping business. We spent a long time talking about money, business, and how to be wise with what God provides. He also shared that he’s living with his girlfriend and plans to marry her. It opened the door for an honest, pressure-free conversation about relationships and God’s design. Reconnecting with him reminded me how deeply we had connected during his time in detention—and how God continues to work long after someone leaves our programs. It’s a mystery how the Lord uses us to water seeds planted by others. I’m just grateful He lets me be a part of it. Mentorship isn’t always instant results—but it’s always worth it, especially from a Kingdom perspective.

Thank you for all that you do to partner in this important work, to build trusting relationships with kids that leads to Hope.

BEAU JESKA, 71Five Operations Director

541.601.9631 | beau@71Five.org

“Lord God, you are my hope. I have trusted you since I was young.” Psalm 71:5 ICB

Zip-Lining & McDonald’s

Posted on May 22, 2025 by Wendy Collins | Life Change Story | 0

When Kayla requested a mentor, she wanted someone younger but was willing to consider a more “grandma type” (as long as she liked zip-lining & McDonald’s). Her mentor ended up being older, yet they began forming a trusting relationship (eating ice cream, going zip lining, walking, talking…). Kayla faces many challenges and is open about her struggles. It seemed at first not much was happening. Still, they enjoyed their time together and the deep talks about life, identity, and God. One day Kayla said, “I want to tell you something, but I don’t want to upset you.” Kayla’s mentor reassured her that she would be there for her no matter what. Kayla went on to say, “I don’t think God is real.” Her mentor listened, asked questions, and continued being a trusted caring adult in Kayla’s life. After some time as they continued to connect and share life Kayla told her mentor, “Oh, by the way… I believe in God now!” Mentoring leads to God’s transforming hope. Thank you for being in this work!

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

Help Wanted!

Posted on May 19, 2025 by Bud Amundsen | Life Change Story | 0

Thank you for making a sacrifice in these uncertain times for the sake of lost and hurting young people! Your gifts provide safe spaces for young people to feel welcomed, trusted adults who care and are a healthy influence, and a message of hope and forgiveness through Jesus. When these things come together in the life of a kid, their lives always change!

Unfortunately, we aren’t accomplishing this like we could. We have several staff positions open in both Jackson and Josephine counties. This means some of our youth centers and training facilities are missing the caring adults who bring influence and hope to young people.

We need your help! Do you know someone who loves Jesus, loves kids, and has a desire to make an eternal difference in the lives of kids? It’s not an easy job, no one gets wealthy, and we must rely on faith more than what’s comfortable… but we get a front row seat to see God at work. If you know someone who might be called to this work, direct them to our website 71Five.org or give us a call at 541.779.3275.

With Gratitude!

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

The Power of a Cupcake!

Posted on May 9, 2025 by Larry Licato | Life Change Story | 0

Creating a safe place for youth is my desire and I find myself more as a grandpa than a teacher, as we are sharing our life and experiences with these young adults. The other day one of our students came to me and said, “Hey, I think you live right across the street from me: I saw your truck parked in front of your house!” He was right. Last week he walked across the street and brought me a cupcake. He did this to include me in the celebration of his daughter’s first birthday. I was deeply moved by this relational gift. Later that day, my wife made up a gift basket for the little one and I brought it across the street to him. Since then, each time we come to the end of the 71Five VoTech session, this young man asks, “Larry, are you going to give us your speech today?” I am sure he is referring to my closing message. I believe crossing the street with a cupcake was a powerful way to say, “Hey Larry, I’m glad you are in my life.”

I don’t know how long I can keep a cupcake, but it is a constant reminder that I can be a kind of grandpa in his life and others as well. I would happily share my cupcake with you because your prayers and support are the hands and feet that reaches across the street to celebrate a birthday and shares the love of Jesus. Thank you and have a sweet day!

LARRY LICATO, 71Five VoTech Coordinator – Medford

541.890.1819 | larry@71Five.org

“Lord God, you are my hope. I have trusted you since I was young.” Psalm 71:5 ICB

Izzy’s Story

Posted on Apr 30, 2025 by Peter Kuhl | Life Change Story | 0

Every year we host an event for 71Five where some of our students get to share their story with people who partner with the Eagle Point Youth Center. This year, Izzy wanted to be one of those students. In the time that Izzy has been attending 71Five Campus, she has shown so much growth in so many ways. She is on our student leadership team, is an active participant in our weekly programs, attends church with us weekly, and displays joy in the midst of recent difficult situations. The joy that she is experiencing is a joy that only comes from God. Izzy values 71Five and how we show the love of Jesus to everyone there. She said it like this, “From the moment I walked in, I felt so welcomed by everyone there… The atmosphere was warm and inviting, and it instantly felt like I was a part of a big supportive family.”

71Five Campus is a place where every young person can feel loved and accepted. It is a safe environment with caring and trusting adults who are committed to seeing lives changed for the better through the empowering love of Jesus. Izzy came to 71Five Campus, and God found her there, as if to say, “Welcome back daughter, you’re home.” Will you join us in helping more young people to find their way to Jesus?

PETER KUHL, 71Five Ministry Director – 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

Taking Shape!

Posted on Apr 28, 2025 by Isaiah Abney | Life Change Story | 0