With a black hoodie covering his head and mask covering his face, I had no idea what the new kid looked like. He didn’t say a word, he wouldn’t participate in anything, and kept disappearing. When I would find him, I would tell him he needed to stay with the group. As curious as I was about this boy, I was even more curious about why he came to club; obviously, he did not want to be there. The following week when I asked the new boy his name, a friend answered for him. To my surprise, it was the un-masked hoodie boy! That night he only disappeared twice and halfheartedly participated with the group. Frustrated with having to address his disappearing act yet again, the Lord brought to my attention that this boy, even though he struggled, was in fact making progress. What appeared to be small steps were unsurmountable feats to him. He was returning to club for a reason and seeking something that we had to offer, the hope of Jesus Christ.

The following week was a miracle. He showed up un-covered, participated in games, stayed with the group, and did not disappear; he even talked to me! You see, behaviors related to trauma can often be mistaken for disobedience. This boy was not defiant, he was broken. We at 71Five want to continue to provide a place where the broken are given a safe place to heal and an opportunity to build trust that leads to hope. FARRAH GUTHRIE   71Five Campus Coordinator- Grants Pass    (541) 779-3275   farrah@71Five.org

 

Recently I was invited to a home for young moms. In an effort to build connections, I started joining them for dinner once a week. After a month of dinners, I invited them to the 71Five Parents Night Kick Off at the youth center. Kay, one of the moms, had bad experiences at church in the past, but she was willing to try. All the girls came the first night. Kay was involved and interested in everything we did, and expressed that she wanted to come back the following week. The next week I was asked to transport a couple of the girls. When I arrived at the house, Kay quickly greeted me and asked, “Who will be riding in your car?” I responded, “Whoever would like to.” She quickly raised her hand and exclaimed, “Me!”… We have begun building a trusting relationship.

 

Trusting relationships allow us to share the hope we have because of Jesus Christ. Thank you for providing these opportunities! TERESA TONINI   71Five Parents Coordinator   (541) 779-3275   teresa@71Five.org

Em always showed up in dark clothing and wouldn’t show her smile much. She preferred to sit far away from everyone, be on her phone, and wasn’t interested in participating in our activities. As weeks went by, we kept investing in Em. We’d ask her questions about her life and would find ways to get her interested in joining in. When kids were leaving to go home, we’d make sure to tell her that we loved seeing her and we’re excited to see her next time. Real love pursues, it doesn’t give up, it’s patient. At a recent 71Five Campus club night, Em walked in and she was wearing brighter clothing. We saw her smile more and she sat closer to the group engaging in conversation and laughing with everyone. We believe these visible outward changes, show Em feels loved and safe at 71Five.

 

Our hope is that she’ll come to know and believe the joyous truth of the Gospel. That even though we live in a world full of darkness, we have the hope and the light of Jesus Christ that saves us. “I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness.” [John 12:46]. Thank you to all of you who partner with us financially, as volunteers, or as prayer warriors. You make this ministry possible! MELANIE CIENFUEGOS   71Five Campus Coordinator – Phoenix /Talent    (541) 779-3275   melanie@71Five.org

 

We are in a time where there are many needs in our community. Recent fires have left entire families and communities displaced. COVID-19 has caused families to lose their sources of income and also restricted our children to their homes for schooling. Basic things like a safe place to sleep and eating a good meal were taken for granted, but now are real concerns for many people. We are responding to help children and their families. When I say “we” I’m not just referring to myself and our 71Five adult volunteers. I’m also talking about the kids who are part of 71Five City in West Medford. As we’re delivering lunches to kids who are at home for schooling they are right there with us sharing hope with the families we serve. Cruz, Jordan, Anela and Gigi are some of the kids from our Kids Club in West Medford who have stepped up on many occasions to serve our community. They were at the Expo helping feed families who lost everything. They go out with adults to deliver lunches to other kids whose parents don’t have cars or can’t leave their kids at home alone.

 

What a blessing to see these kids respond in this way. When presented with an opportunity to help others, their response is, “I’ll go!” What an honor it is to be working with this next generation of servant leaders. Thank you for providing for this opportunity to reach so many in our community faithfully. KEN RUIZ   71Five City Coordinator   (541) 779-3275   ken@71Five.org

 

 

Two weeks ago, as the boys from B2B Juvenile Justice sat down for lunch, they all pulled out the bag of chips and then set the rest of their bag lunches on the workbench. I asked what was going on and their staff leader said, “They want to donate their lunches to the homeless in our neighborhood.” Being overwhelmed, I turned to one of my volunteers and asked, “What just happened here?” He said, “These young men have been treated with respect and have seen what sharing and giving is like. I guess, in their way, they want to give back.” Then one young man said without hesitation, “We have plenty, we’ll eat again later.” They’ve been sharing their lunches ever since.

 

In a gentle and organic way, these young men are becoming followers of Jesus’ example and are feeling the blessing that comes with giving. I believe, the boy that gave Jesus his loaves and a couple of fish was blessed much more than the people who were fed. I hope you are blessed by this report as you too are giving and caring for these young adults in so many different ways. Come join us to further the great commission… making followers of Jesus. My phone number is (541) 779-3275. Hoping we’ll talk soon!   LARRY LICATO   71Five VoTech Coordinator   (541) 779-3275   larry@71Five.org

 

Many of the at-risk youth we serve have been affected by the recent catastrophic wild fires in one way or another; this coupled with Covid-19 and learning a new schooling method cannot be easy. Many of our youth find themselves overwhelmed and lost. Yet, through Youth 71Five Ministries, they have found shelter in our homes, resources and donations from our staff and supporters, and most importantly hope through Jesus Christ as we share the good news of the Gospel with them.

 

Without the continued support of each of our donors, volunteers, prayer warriors and staff members this would not be possible. Because of you, we were able to offer our homes to the evacuated families we serve, we are able to create a resource page on our website and a Wild Fire Relief Fund through our Homecoming Auction, we are able to cook for the multitudes sheltering at the Jackson County Expo as well as create a safe place there for young people to come and find relief through games, activities, sports and friendship. You are providing for the many youth and families in need throughout our communities. Thank you! DARLENE HARPER   71Five Mentors Coordinator   (541) 779.3275   darlene@71Five.org

 

The text read “Praying for your community. So sorry for this loss. Grateful that you are bringing a message of hope and healing.” My response was, “Amen! We exist for times like this, right?” I’ve never experienced a time (even with 9/11) where people are stressed emotionally at the level I’m seeing today. People are grappling to get a handle on the reality of our situation (Covid, racial tensions, political turmoil and now huge impact due to fires), with more struggles coming as the long-term impact is felt by the community. These feelings are very much in the minds and hearts of our young people as well.

We truly do exist for times like this! While everything has changed… at the same time, nothing has. Our Mission is still to share God’s Story with young people through trusting relationships in any relevant way. We are in the business of relationships, building trust that leads to hope and we are committed to stay in our ‘lane’.

Things are very different though… Connecting with kids in this season of Covid-19 and online schooling means we’re working hard to provide safe places for kids to study, access to the internet, and adult help if they’re struggling. With the challenges related to the fire, we’re connecting with kids to help them process the hurts and fear they’ve experienced. We’re collaborating with other agencies to provide food and structured activities for young people who’ve been displaced. Also, a Fire Relief Fund has been set up to provide for the food, activities, and also outside-the-box needs other agencies aren’t designed to meet.

You still provide trust that leads to hope! The Mission hasn’t changed… just some of the methods. Thank you for bringing the message of hope and healing!  BUD AMUNDSEN   71Five Executive Director   (541) 779-3275   bud@71Five.org

 

Walter Stacey is a high schooler who has attended 71Five Campus in Eagle Point for many years. He is very outgoing, friendly to everyone, and is proud to have the self-given title of “Campus Mascot.” One evening I got a call from Walter’s coworker saying, ‘“Please come right away. Walter is having a major anxiety attack and he said he needed you.” I dropped what I was doing and drove to his work which was thankfully only 5 minutes away. When I got there, I realized just how severe Walter’s anxiety attack was. He was lying on the bathroom floor and was shaking and sweating. His voice was weak as he asked me to help him up and to my car. After he calmed down and could speak, I asked him if he wanted to talk about what was going on, but he couldn’t. He thanked me a lot for being there and it really blessed me to know he trusted me enough to contact me knowing I would help him.

 

It’s times like these that show how much these kids need mentors in their lives. Adults who care, who kids know they can trust. Because of you, I was able to go be with Walter and build a trusting relationship that brings him one step closer to hope. Thank you!  PETER KUHL   71Five Campus Coordinator – Eagle Point   (541) 779-3275   peter@71Five.org