71Five LIFE CHANGE STORIES

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 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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

Jul '26

Seeing is Believing…

Posted on Jul 25, 2026 by Larry Licato | Life Change Story | 37

Jul '26

When we plant seeds in the ground, we cannot see what is happening. Then when the time is right, we will see a small sprout pushing up through the ground. I feel the ground here at 71Five City – Liberty Park has been made ready for the planting of seeds. This week we hosted the crew from CEF and they held a 5 day club. With singing, dancing, memory verses and sharing of the Gospel, over 14 kids attended and these young kids heard of the love of Jesus in the most beautiful way. A few even raised their hands when asked if they were ready to accept Jesus into their hearts. Although they are young, I know that asking Jesus into their hearts is a life changing event.

In order for seeds to grow and take root the ground has to be prepared and made ready. It needs to be a safe place to grow. I want to thank you for making 71Five a place where God’s word is planted in the hearts of children in a safe and fertile place.Thank You!

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

Jul '26

One Student at a Time!

Posted on Jul 16, 2026 by Emma Kuhl | Life Change Story | 47

Jul '26

One student who has made a lasting impact on me came to club every week, but for a long time, she kept to herself. She was incredibly shy and almost always sat quietly on her phone. While the other students played games or talked, she rarely joined in. We continued to welcome her each week, trusting that simply showing up and building relationships mattered. One night, we decided to change things up. Instead of our usual Bible study, we invited the students to ask us any questions they had about faith, life, or the Bible. To my surprise, this quiet student immediately began asking thoughtful, heartfelt questions. One question that has stayed with me ever since. She asked, “How can I be a light in my school when it’s so hard to even open up my Bible, let alone be a light in public school?, When people put you down for being a Christian.” In that moment, I realized there was so much more going on beneath the surface. The student who had seemed disengaged was actually wrestling with deep questions about following Jesus and wanted to know how to live out her faith. She just needed a safe place where she felt comfortable enough to ask. Since then, she has continued to open up more and more. She talks with leaders, joins conversations, builds friendships with other students, and actively participates in club. Watching her grow in confidence has been a powerful reminder that we never know what God is doing in a student’s heart. Sometimes all they need is a place where they know they are loved, accepted, and free to ask hard questions.

This is why 71Five exists. Because every week, God uses simple conversations, consistent relationships, and a safe environment to transform lives—one student at a time!

EMMA KUHL, 71Five City Coordinator – Grants Pass

(541) 295-5458 | emma@71Five.org

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

Jul '26

…Beyond Saving?

Posted on Jul 9, 2026 by Crystal Fuller | Life Change Story | 57

Jul '26

Can you imagine believing your life was beyond saving? That was MaKailah’s reality. Sitting in juvenile detention after surviving more overdoses than she can count, she believed there was no hope. But 71Five Justice showed up, prayed with her, and reminded her that God hadn’t given up. When MaKailah found out she was pregnant, everything changed. She chose recovery, began following Jesus, and found a purpose worth fighting for. Because of people like you, 71Five Parents has been able to walk beside her with resources, diapers, encouragement, home visits, and the reminder that she is never alone. Today, MaKailah says, “Other than having my baby, getting clean is my biggest accomplishment. God saved me more times than I can count. He always brought me back, and now He’s given me the biggest blessing I could ever ask for—and every reason to never turn back!”

Thank you for helping young parents discover that hope is never out of reach.

CRYSTAL FULLER, 71Five Parents Coordinator – Grants Pass

541.787.0255 | crystal@71Five.org

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

Jul '26

A Band-Aid In The Pocket

Posted on Jul 3, 2026 by Will Arias | Life Change Story | 26

Jul '26

Our soccer season is one of the most important ways we connect with kids who may never come to the youth center. I use this time not only to build relationships with the players, but most importantly to help them understand the love of Jesus. This season, I shared an illustration that especially caught the attention of one player, Lena. During practice, I asked everyone to reach into their pockets and pull out whatever they found. Since we were on a soccer field, I didn’t expect much. Out came candy wrappers, pieces of grass, and even a Band-Aid. When Lena pulled out a Band-Aid, I asked about it. After she explained why she had it, I handed her five dollars and said I wanted to buy it. She immediately protested and tried to give it back. She couldn’t understand why anyone would want a used Band-Aid. That was the point! I explained that the Band-Aid wasn’t valuable on its own. It became valuable because someone was willing to pay for it. In the same way, our worth is not based on what we have done or how we see ourselves. Our value is found in what Jesus was willing to give for us.

That Band-Aid now hangs on the wall at the youth center as a reminder of God’s love and the value He places on each child. It also reminds me of your support. Thanks to your generosity, we reached our $5,000 goal at the spaghetti dinner fundraiser, helping us continue to build trust that leads to hope.

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