71Five LIFE CHANGE STORIES

I met “David” five years ago in juvenile detention. Back then, he carried a lot of hurt and anger, he was lost and it was hard for him to imagine anything good for his life. We spent a lot of time talking about the hope found in Jesus and what a different path could look like. I never knew what would come of those conversations, I just tried to plant what seeds I could. I ran into him again last week, and it was such a gift. He’s doing well, going to church regularly, in a steady relationship, and genuinely growing in his faith. We even made plans for him to join one of our weekly 71Five Adventure bike rides. He also told me something hard: another youth we both knew from detention died by suicide three months ago. Just last week, I attended a funeral of another youth I knew.

With so many kids lost to overdoses, car crashes, and suicide, it can feel heavy. But seeing David thriving was a reminder that the seeds that you help sow, really do make a difference. God is still growing things we don’t always get to see.

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

Nov '25

Bringing God’s hope to hurting lives!

Posted on Nov 19, 2025 by Wendy Collins | Life Change Story | 15

Nov '25

At 16-years-old, Jack couldn’t think of many things bad in life; he was especially thankful for his family. But he really wanted someone outside of that—someone he could tell anything, look up to, hang out with, and learn from. Having a mentor made things start to shift. Jack says he’s learning to slow down, pray before making decisions, and live in a way others can look up to. He shared, “I’m growing in my relationship with God & the way I think has changed. I used to look down on myself, but now I see myself in a better light.” That’s what 1:1 mentoring does.

There are many young people (ages 7–24) in our area suffering relational poverty and searching for hope. 71Five Mentors is growing, connecting youth across Jackson and Josephine Counties with mentors, and bringing God’s hope to hurting lives! But the need is still urgent.

Be the difference now: you can invest 4 flexible self-scheduled hrs./month to mentor, you can pray, &/or you can give. Mentors needs 30 more partners at $100/month to be fully funded—and now through the end of the year all new giving is matched. Be doers. Bring hope.

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

Nov '25

Thankfulness Leads to Joy!

Posted on Nov 14, 2025 by Bud Amundsen | Life Change Story | 12

Nov '25

This time of year turns our attention to Thanksgiving and hopefully, giving thanks. I’ve been reflecting on the link between gratefulness and joy. It’s amazing how many times the bible mentions that thankfulness to God for what he’s done leads to joy. Here’s one of my favorites:

“The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.” [Ps. 28:7]

It seems to me that I can’t manufacture authentic joy, but I can practice gratefulness that leads me to feel authentic joy. So, in line with the season and a soul-moving practice, I want to share how deeply grateful I am for you.

God has used you to continue our mission of bringing His hope to young people.

I am thankful for how He used you:

· to send caring adults into stressed neighborhoods

· to increase the young people receiving trade skills by adding a new shop building

· to allow 71Five to weather financial storms

· to keep the lights on in safe spaces where young people can find friendship

· to change the lives of hundreds of young people forever through trust in Jesus.

Just the writing of this has moved me to joy. Hopefully, in the reading of it, you will find joy in what God has accomplished through 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

Nov '25

“I can’t thank you enough for lending me a helping hand.”

Posted on Nov 7, 2025 by John Lingafelter | Life Change Story | 9

Nov '25

As a 71Five VoTech Assistant Coordinator in Medford, I have had the honor and privilege of speaking into the lives of many young people. One student in particular, Logan Koontz, was enrolled in the 12-week class in mid 2025. Logan did exceedingly well and applied himself vigorously. I got to know him as we worked on certain construction details, and as time progressed, was able to share the life changing truth of the hope found in Jesus. We have kept in touch, and he is now working full-time with a reputable roofing contractor.

Here is a text he sent me a few weeks ago: “I just want to say I appreciate you and all the guys for the support at VoTech. You guys changed my life, and I can’t thank you enough for lending me a helping hand. God Bless.”

You made this possible. Thank You.

JOHN LINGAFELTER, 71Five VoTech Assistant Coordinator – Medford

541.951.2371 | johnlingafelter@71Five.org

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

Oct '25

71Five points young people to Jesus!

Posted on Oct 31, 2025 by Peter Kuhl | Life Change Story | 15

Oct '25

Studies show that when you devote at least a year to a mentor relationship it will make a life-long impact. Chayton was 15 years old when I first started mentoring him. He is now 22 years old, and the testimony of Jesus in his life has been amazing to see, and a blessing to be a part of. Recently, while I was on the phone with him, he mentioned that when he was still a teenager he often got annoyed at how intentional I was in making sure that he was on the right path and growing in his relationship with Jesus. But as we were chatting on the phone, he said, “I see now, that it is the most important thing to continuously point people to Jesus. Thank you for being consistent!”

Chayton now studies the Bible daily, and has a deep desire to share God’s message of hope with those around him. He went from pursuing worldly passions to seeking God with his whole heart, and that is only something that God can do, and I got to be a part of his story, and continue to witness the transformative work of Jesus in this young man’s life. Thank you for providing the opportunities and safe places for mentoring relationships like this one at 71Five.

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

Oct '25

Moments Like These.

Posted on Oct 24, 2025 by Chris Willis | Life Change Story | 19

Oct '25

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.

Moments like these are what 71Five is all about. It’s not just about events, it’s about creating spaces where students feel seen, valued, and loved. Where a bad day can turn around, and hope can start to take root again.

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

Oct '25

Watch Out!

Posted on Oct 20, 2025 by Larry Licato | Life Change Story | 20

Oct '25

This has been a crazy week. I got beeped at while driving, Another person just about ran me over and stopped and yelled something at me. I received crazy text messages and an email. At one point I went outside of the 71Five City Community Center and found a kid working on his car in our parking lot. I got stopped in the mall by a young man and then I got a call from a person wanting to have a survey of sorts. The catch here is that the crazy driver was one of my students wanting to say hi and the guy that stopped wanted to thank me for all the help he received and is now going to work at a great company. The young man working on his car was being mentored by a former student who told me that he and his wife are going to join Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF). Finally the survey was from a company that wanted my opinion about hiring one of our former students and put me down as a reference. The young man in the mall was with his mom and wanted to say high and let me know that he was still swimming in the special Olympics.

Do you ever have days like me and wonder if you are doing any good when you see so many issues going on in our world? I’m reminded … God’s love is never wasted. It is such a blessing to hear about the impact you are making in the lives of young people in our valley through your support, prayers and encouraging words. Lives are being changed. Watch out and see what the Lord is doing at 71Five!

LARRY LICATO, 71Five City – Liberty Park Coordinator

(541) 860-3275 | larry@71Five.org

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

Oct '25

trials and sorrows

Posted on Oct 8, 2025 by Breanna Stoutenburgh | Life Change Story | 43

Oct '25

The room was quiet — except for the soft brushstrokes of watercolor paint. At 71Five Parent Night, our leader was teaching from John sixteen. Around the table, young parents painted and talked. I noticed Emma — her brush moved slowly, carefully. She painted three crosses surrounded by scarlet red flowers. When the evening ended, she stayed to help clean up — like she always does. She’s been coming for three years… a steady, loving young mom. But as we walked outside, a tow truck screeched to a stop in front of her car. Another pulled up behind. Emma tried to reason with the repo man, but his eyes were empty and his mouth set in a frozen line. Her voice broke as she lifted her daughter’s car seat from the back. “Mama… where’s he taking our car?” the little girl whispered. We packed her things into my car — every seat filled, every heart heavy. The ride was loud with chatter… but beneath it all, I could hear Emma’s quiet tears slipping down her cheeks. Losing that car meant losing her way to work, to daycare, to freedom. I took her home and hugged her goodbye; there were no words to say.

Later that night, I posted John 16:33 — “Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows, but take heart, because I have overcome the world.” Five minutes later, I saw that Emma had liked my post. Thank you for providing the support to young parents like Emma through 71Five.

BREANNA STOUTENBURGH, 71Five Parents Coordinator

541.941-7697 | breanna@71Five.org

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

Oct '25

A Barnabas in the Making

Posted on Oct 3, 2025 by Will Arias | Life Change Story | 49

Oct '25

Serving with 71Five is full of blessings. Some days I arrive at the Shady Cove Youth Center weighed down, but the moment the first student walks in, everything shifts. A hug, high five, or quick story reminds me why this ministry matters. Recently, a note did the same: “Thank you for helping me grow in my relationship with Jesus.” Those words came from Aundrea. I’ve known her for nearly four years, both on the soccer field and in leadership. I’ve seen her grow in faith and character. She participates in discussions, encourages others, and even in competition she makes sure to compliment her peers. She is becoming more of a Barnabas, an encourager, every day.

Because of your support, students like Aundrea are meeting Jesus, growing as leaders, and changing lives, including mine. Thank you for making stories like hers possible.

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 '25

Breaking Small Habits

Posted on Sep 17, 2025 by Sara Vassallo | Life Change Story | 21

Sep '25

At high school 71Five Camp this summer, one of the boys pulled my husband and I aside and promised us he wouldn’t say a single curse word for the entire week of camp. Honestly, I wasn’t sure how seriously he meant it, but he held himself to it. He gave his word and kept it. A few weeks later at Teen Club, that same student walked up to me with a grin and said, “I’m not gonna curse at all anymore.” Something that started as a small, temporary commitment turned into the beginning of a lasting change. What began as a camp promise is shaping how he wants to live his everyday life. It reminded me of the story in 2 Kings 4, where a widow came to Elisha with nothing but a small jar of oil. It seemed like barely enough to meet her need, but God multiplied it into more than she could have imagined. A little poured out became a life transformed. In the same way, even the “small” habits God breaks in us can overflow into big change. Sometimes, transformation starts with something as simple as choosing different words. And it’s a reminder that the Spirit is at work not just in the dramatic moments, but also in the quiet, everyday victories that add up to a new way of living.

Every prayer you pray, every moment of support you’ve given, makes space for the work of the Lord in a teen’s life. Thank you for standing with us as we celebrate not just the big wins, but also the small steps that turn into lifelong transformation.

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