Two years ago, Ryan lost his dad. As a 14 year old young man, that loss wrecked him. It sent him into a spiral that eventually led to time in corrections. Life felt heavy, loud, and out of control. Trust did not come easy, and hope felt thin. Now he is wrapping up a residential program and trying to figure out who he is and where he is headed. That kind of change is hard. It takes time. It takes people who care and believe. When he came to VoTech, something was different. It was calm and steady. He could just be himself. We did not rush him. We built a relationship slowly, by showing up and working together. Over time, Ryan began to open up. One day my wife jokingly said, “You get to hang out with your favorite people.” He smiled and said, “You’re right. You are my favorite people!” That hit us. It meant he felt safe here. It meant he felt like he belonged. He chose welding, and at first he just focused and listened. Within a few weeks, we realized he had a real gift. His welds were solid and clean. You could see pride coming back every time he laid one down. He stood a little taller. He believed in himself again.

CHRIS WILLIS,  71Five Area Director – Grants Pass

541.941.3488 | chris@71Five.org

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

We wrapped up the summer with a huge end-of-season party with BBQ, games, and an 18-foot water slide that had everyone having a blast. The energy was high, but what made the night unforgettable wasn’t the food or the fun. It was a small moment in the middle of it all. One young man who has been coming to our programs for a while showed up looking a little down. He’s just started middle school, and like many students, the transition hasn’t been easy. When I asked how things were going, he sighed and said, “I had a really bad day at school.” Then he paused, looked around and smiled. “But this makes up for it.” That simple comment hit me. Sometimes, what makes the biggest impact isn’t a grand gesture, it’s a safe place, a community that welcomes you no matter how your day started. That night, this student went from being discouraged to laughing with friends, competing in games, and eating some good BBQ. He left with a full plate and a lighter heart.

CHRIS WILLIS,  71Five Director – Grants Pass

(541) 941-3488 | chris@71Five.org

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

A few weeks ago I ran into a colleague, and he told me about a young man he’s been mentoring in a residential program. Earlier that week, this young man was at a breaking point. He was battling the urge to run from his program, give up, and return to his addictions. In desperation, he prayed one last prayer: “God, if I’m not supposed to do this, please show me a sign.” Not long after that prayer, I happened to walk into this residential program. I wasn’t planning to stay long, just a quick visit with the guys before heading into a meeting. But in that moment, God answered his prayer. The simple act of showing up became the sign he had been asking for. Instead of running away, this young man made the decision to stay. Today, he is enrolled in our 71Five VoTech classes where he is learning construction skills and building confidence for his future. His dream is to one day own a construction company that not only builds houses but also helps people rebuild their lives and rehab individuals just like himself.

CHRIS WILLIS,  71Five Area Director – Grants Pass

541.941.3488 | chris@71Five.org

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

Every week at 71Five City club, a middle school boy would raise his hand during prayer time. Week after week, he’d ask for the same thing:”Can you pray that my mom would stop using drugs?” He never missed a week. He never stopped believing that something could change. While other kids would rotate through different requests, he stayed focused. He believed God could heal the one thing that hurt him the most, his mom’s addiction. That kind of faith, simple, persistent, and full of hope, hit us hard. It reminded us of the kind of prayer Jesus talked about, the kind that keeps knocking no matter how long the door stays shut. On our recent trip to South Umpqua Falls, this same boy ran up to me with the biggest smile on his face. He said, “Guess what? My mom’s going to treatment. She’s getting clean!” You could feel the joy, the relief, the breakthrough in his voice. 

The text came in with a photo of a fish, nothing huge, just a simple catch from a pond in our local park. But what struck me wasn’t the fish… it was who sent it. To most people, it might seem small. But to me, it was everything. This young man doesn’t have many people in his life to share those moments with. No dad cheering him on. No older brother giving tips. Just me. And for some reason, in that moment, I was the one he wanted to share… “Look What I Caught!” It was more than a fish. It was proof that he felt seen. That he belonged somewhere. That someone cared.

CHRIS WILLIS,  71Five City Coordinator – Grants Pass

(541) 941-3488 | chris@71Five.org

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

There’s a young man I got the chance to walk with over the last eight months he was placed in a residential program here in Grants Pass. When we first met, he didn’t want much to do with anything spiritual. He was distant when we talked about God, pretty closed off. But we kept showing up. We rode bikes, did Bible studies, talked about real life, and eventually, he started coming to clubs and youth group. Week by week, I saw something begin to shift. He didn’t say a lot, but his eyes started to light up a bit more. He started asking questions. And then there was one night I’ll never forget: his last youth service before leaving. He was sitting in the second row during worship, and I looked over and saw him with his hands lifted high. It hit me hard. This young man who once wanted nothing to do with God… was reaching out to Him. On his last night in Grants Pass, my wife and I had the privilege of celebrating with him. We got to share some time together, give him a few gifts, and speak encouragement over his next season. It was a pleasant and meaningful moment one we won’t forget. Now he’s in Eastern Oregon in a new housing program. I don’t know if we’ll cross paths again, but I’m praying for him. I believe that the seeds planted here will continue to grow.

CHRIS WILLIS,  71Five City Coordinator – Grants Pass

541.941.3488 | chris@71Five.org

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

This past weekend, I had the privilege of joining a group of students to fill a need in our community. One of our coordinators reached out about a young mom who had recently moved to the Grants Pass area. She was in desperate need of furniture for her new home. After connecting with some generous donors, we gathered a few pieces and delivered them to her on Saturday. But what unfolded that day was far more powerful than a simple furniture drop-off. As we helped her set up, this young mom opened up to us, sharing her personal story. She had been living on the streets, all while trying to raise her young child. For the first time in what felt like forever, she had found stable housing, and hope was beginning to take root in her life. You could see the relief in her eyes—a glimpse of a future that finally seemed possible. On the van ride back, the students who helped were quiet, reflecting on what they had just witnessed. They were moved, not just by the act of giving, but by the resilience of this mom—how she had faced unimaginable hardships and was now finding her way back. It’s moments like these that remind us of the truth in Proverbs 11:25: “The one who blesses others is abundantly blessed; those who help others are helped.” We set out to bless someone in need, and yet we walked away feeling blessed ourselves.

CHRIS WILLIS,  71Five City – Grants Pass Coordinator  

(541) 941-3488 | chris@71Five.org

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