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