Life Change Story Archives

A Place to Belong

Posted on Oct 1, 2026 by Will Arias in Life Change Story | 0

If there is one thing I know, it is that God is good. At the beginning of last summer, a family introduced me to two kids, a boy and a girl, ages 11 and 17. Their aunt shared that their family simply wanted them to get out of the house more. Like many young people we meet, much of their time was spent at home playing video games, often because of boredom or simply not having somewhere else to belong. When I first met them, neither seemed very interested in what was happening at 71Five Campus – Shady Cove. I gave them a high five and told them I hoped to see them again soon. Eventually, they walked through our doors. Over time, through questions, conversations, and simply spending time together, I began to realize that Mylez needed something to fill that space beyond video games. This is one of the things I love about 71Five. We get the opportunity to meet young people right where they are, build trusting relationships, and give them a place where they can discover new interests, friendships, and a sense of belonging. With Mylez, we started small. Board games became interactive games. Basketball lasted only a little while. Then came a few kicks with a soccer ball. Before summer ended, something changed. Mylez was outside playing soccer with everyone else, and eventually he asked to join our soccer team.

Today, his smile is contagious, his laughter is hard to stop, and he has made so many friends. Mylez once told me, “Nothing significant has happened yet from coming to 71Five.” I see it differently. He found a place where he is known, loved, encouraged, and belongs. God provided that place through your support of 71Five.

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

Sep '26

More Than Bike Rides!

Posted on Sep 24, 2026 by Nate Bull in Life Change Story | 0

Sep '26

I met Jacob nearly a year ago on a 71Five Adventure mountain biking trip. He immediately caught my attention, not only because he was just 14 years old, but because he could ride better than almost anyone I had ever seen! Before long, Jacob became a regular on our weekly rides. He shared that 71Five gives him another opportunity to mountain bike in a positive environment while also introducing him to new activities and experiences. Today, Jacob is my primary student volunteer. He continues to show up every week with a smile on his face, and usually one or two scraped up knees. It has been a blessing to watch him develop a servant’s heart and lead by example among his peers. In a culture where young people often face boredom and a lack of meaningful community, Jacob is grateful for the sense of belonging and positive outlet that 71Five provides.

Jacob’s involvement has made a difference in my life as well. His willingness to serve, his positive attitude, and if I’m honest, his knowledge of bike maintenance has been a tremendous help to me. I am thankful for the opportunity to know Jacob and to watch him use his gifts to encourage and serve others.

NATE BULL, 71Five Adventure Coordinator

(541) 621-7592 | nate@71Five.org

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

Sep '26

The woman at the well.

Posted on Sep 18, 2026 by Sara Vassallo in Life Change Story | 0

Sep '26

This year we celebrated five graduates who’ve been a part of 71Five since fifth grade. I decided that for their final club, I would revisit the first message I ever taught them: Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well. As fifth graders, they learned that Jesus loves them and chooses the overlooked. Today, as young adults stepping out into the world, they took away the same lesson in a new form: Jesus chose the Samaritan woman intentionally, and he has chosen them intentionally too. The Samaritan woman had no ministry degree, no elite training, and no social status. She simply knew who Jesus was, the promised Messiah, and shared Him with everyone she could. God had a plan for the woman at the well, just like He has a plan for every student who walks through our youth center doors. In their time with 71Five, they found faith, home churches, and a community of other believers. They entered our doors as kids discovering His love, and they’re leaving confident in Jesus Christ and empowered by the Holy Spirit.

When you partner with 71Five, you are creating a space for kids to grow up, a place where they can belong, a place where they can be reminded over and over again that they are fearfully and wonderfully made. Thank you for donating and helping propel the Gospel to young people whose lives are being forever changed by His truth!

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

Sep '26

The Next Generation’s Mechanic

Posted on Sep 11, 2026 by Austin Brass in Life Change Story | 0

Sep '26

God is revealing the major impact your support is having on the next generation at 71Five VoTech. One of those young people is Mikey, who is 16 years old and already trying to forge a different path for himself. He was living in Eugene months ago when he ended up in juvenile detention. While he was there, he heard about a juvenile residential program in Grants Pass that partners with us in VoTech to provide hands-on training and real opportunities for young people. That opportunity meant enough to Mikey that he transferred to Grants Pass two weeks ago specifically so he could be part of VoTech. Now, he has a goal. Mikey hopes to go through the automotive program, learn skills he can use for the rest of his life, and find a job in the automotive field when he returns to the community. Your support makes stories like Mikey’s possible. You are giving young people a safe place to discover what they are capable of, build practical skills, and take meaningful steps toward a better future. For Mikey, learning to work on cars is more than a class. It is a path forward, and you are helping make that path possible.

Thank you for investing in young people like Mikey through your financial giving, your time as a volunteer, and your prayers. We are grateful you are joining us in helping them learn, grow, and move forward with hope.

AUSTIN BRASS, 71Five VoTech Assistant Coordinator – Grants Pass

541.531.1501 | austin@71Five.org

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

Sep '26

Dark and Drifting . . .

Posted on Sep 3, 2026 by Shane Skirvin in Life Change Story | 15

Sep '26

Aiden joined our Young Adults’ group about two years ago. He said he was in a dark place and drifting from God and that his family life was falling apart. Since joining our group, Aiden has not just grown closer to God, but has really enjoyed the fellowship with others. He speaks of having had a lack of friends and community, which he has found now with our group. It is so awesome we’re able to provide not just a place where people can grow closer to God, but a great community based on growing closer WITH God! Aiden just got baptized last weekend on our annual Young Adults’ retreat!

Thank you so much for providing the resources so that we can have such a great time with Aiden and help him grow closer to God and even be baptized. This is so amazing! We thank you from the bottom of our heart! And we look forward to the continued partnership with you. For the 26/27 school year. May God bring great revival among the youth of the Rogue Valley!

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

Aug '26

God Never Loses Them!

Posted on Aug 20, 2026 by Chris Willis in Life Change Story | 13

Aug '26

A few years ago, I met a 12-year-old boy who was already battling addiction, crime, and circumstances no kid should have to carry. God gave me an opportunity to come alongside him and begin pouring into his life. I took him to church, spent time mentoring him, and one Christmas we were able to help provide gifts for him and his brother. Over the years, he continued to bounce between different programs, placements, and corrections. Eventually, I lost contact with him. Then recently, I heard someone calling my name. I turned around and saw that same young man running toward me. He wrapped me in a huge hug. Today, he is part of a justice program that partners with our ministry, which has opened the door for us to once again be part of his life. He is currently joining us for weekly mountain bike rides through our Break the Cycle program, and this fall he will be jumping into our 71Five VoTech program as well. Even more importantly, he recently told me that he wants to take his relationship with God deeper and be baptized. It was a powerful reminder for me. Kids leave. They move. They get transferred. Sometimes years go by and we never know what happened to the seeds that were planted. But God never loses them.

So if you pray for 71Five, give financially, volunteer, or partner with us in any way, thank you. Your faithfulness gives us the opportunity to keep showing up. To keep building relationships. To keep investing in young people even when we may not see the outcome right away. Sometimes you plant the seed and someone else waters it. And every once in a while, God lets you stand there years later and see what He has been doing all along. This young man is one of those stories. And his story isn’t finished yet.

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

Aug '26

The Power of Mentoring.

Posted on Aug 19, 2026 by Wendy Collins in Life Change Story | 22

Aug '26

Ryan first came to 71Five Mentors looking for a way to get out of the house. He was on strict probation and living with a guardian who wasn’t able to do many of the things Ryan enjoyed. What he really needed was someone who could meet him where he was and show consistent support. His mentor became that person. Through spending time together, being active, and talking about life, Ryan began building confidence and seeing parts of his life differently. It wasn’t one big moment that changed everything. It was the consistency of having someone show up for him. Recently, Ryan was moved into a residential rehabilitation program for youth involved with the juvenile justice system. Even though 71Five can’t access the facility as an organization, Ryan’s mentor has stayed connected because they’ve built a relationship based on trust. Ryan was able to request for his mentor to be on his personal contact list.

That’s the power of mentoring. It’s not just about having someone to hang out with. It’s about having someone who keeps showing up, especially when life gets complicated. Can you be that someone for a young person in your area? We currently have 10 young people waiting for mentors…. Make the choice to change a life today!

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

Aug '26

“What’s 71Five?”

Posted on Aug 13, 2026 by Bud Amundsen in Life Change Story | 60

Aug '26

At 71Five, we’ve developed an answer to the question, “What’s 71Five?” The answer is: Do you know how young people today are struggling with loneliness, anxiety or maybe they’re just bored?… 71Five helps with that. We provide safe spaces, trusting relationships and a message of hope… This answer helps our staff articulate what we are all about, quickly, without searching for the answer. Kids are in need, and we exist to help.

When you look at the list of three things we provide, Safety, Trust, and Hope, they are simple yet profound in the life of a kid!

Safe Spaces- Every one of our programs welcome all young people with the ‘Three Fs’… Friendship, Fun, and Food. We actively work to help young people build connections with peers through fun activities and a meal to share. Many of our young people find these spaces safer than school or even their home.

Trusting Relationships- Every young person involved can build a relationship with a competent, caring adult who actively works to get to know them and shares their knowledge and experience to guide the young person through the challenges of childhood and adolescence.

Message of Hope- Besides our discussion times, each staff member and volunteer staff are prepared to share about the hope found in Jesus. We do it by listening to the young person’s story and learning who they are. Then we share our own story to build trust and find common ground. On this common ground, we share how God has been active in our life. If there’s interest, we continue to share about how trust in Jesus brings us into God’s family.

You are providing these three things, which are now scientifically proven to build resilience in the lives of struggling kids. More than that, you are providing the things that change lives forever!

Thank you,

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

Aug '26

Searching For Direction.

Posted on Aug 6, 2026 by Logan Schockelt in Life Change Story | 32

Aug '26

This story reminds us that a little hope can change a person’s life forever. Thanks to your support across Southern Oregon, Youth 71Five’s VoTech Training invests in young adults far beyond teaching job skills. When Josh Horn first arrived at 71Five VoTech, he was searching for direction, discouraged by the world, and struggling to envision a bright future. As staff encouraged and walked alongside him, his outlook improved and his confidence grew. A major milestone came when he began attending our after-class Bible study, willingly seeking God. After graduating, Josh returned as a vetted volunteer for the spring term, faithfully serving students and helping staff with projects. We watched him grow into an incredibly kind, thoughtful young man. During summer break, Josh attended a week-long Bible camp, returning with a renewed passion for his faith and future. He immediately secured a job with a local contractor, launching his desired construction career.

While we will miss Josh around the shop, we are deeply grateful for how God has transformed his life this year. His journey proves that when you invest your time, prayers, and resources, God uses that faithfulness to change a young person’s future forever. You make this happen with your continued support in 71Five… Thank You!

LOGAN SCHOCKELT, 71Five VoTech Assistant Coordinator – Medford

541.646.5706 | logan@71Five.org

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

Jul '26

Genuine, Heartfelt Change…

Posted on Jul 31, 2026 by Peter Kuhl in Life Change Story | 41

Jul '26

Jayde started coming to the Eagle Point Youth Center in the spring of 2021. She was finishing her last year of elementary school and actively participated in our weekly programs. She continued attending through most of middle school, but we didn’t see her around as much for a couple of years. Recently, Jayde started coming back, and we have been encouraged to see the growth in her and her genuine desire to grow closer to God. I, along with the other leaders at 71Five Campus, have noticed a change in her demeanor and the way she carries herself. It’s not necessarily a night-and-day difference, but it is a genuine, heartfelt change that we believe will stay with her for the rest of her life.

We are so thankful to walk alongside Jayde through different seasons of her life, and to see the ways God is continuing to work in her heart. Thank you for supporting 71Five and helping make it possible for us to continue investing in students like Jayde.

PETER KUHL, 71Five Campus 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