71Five LIFE CHANGE STORIES

A few weeks ago, one of our students came up to me and said, “Hey, do you remember when you had to call my mom because I was being mean to people?” I did remember. It was four years ago, but it felt like forever. He’s a whole different kid now. Then he thanked me. Back then, almost all that people could see was a kid who was acting out and making bad choices. What they didn’t know at the time was how much he was actually struggling. When we called his parents and told them he couldn’t come back for a week, he was really mad. That moment ended up being a bigger deal than I realized. It made his parents take a closer look, and honestly, it kicked off a long season of him getting in trouble at home because of poor choices and learning things the hard way. When he finally came back, he said he expected it to be weird. Like we’d treat him differently or like he’d messed up too badly. Instead, we welcomed him back like he’d never left. Now, years later, he told me he’s grateful we stopped him when we did. At the time, it felt unfair to him, but now he sees it as being loved enough for someone to step in instead of ignoring it. Scripture says, “But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” [Romans 5:8]. Loving students this way is a small reflection of Christ’s love for us… Love that doesn’t wait for someone to first get it together!

Thank you for making space for kids to experience that kind of love here, the kind that’s patient, persistent, and doesn’t give up on them. My hope is that one day they’ll realize this is exactly how God loves them, too.

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

Dec '25

Life felt heavy, loud, and out of control.

Posted on Dec 15, 2025 by Chris Willis | Life Change Story | 23

Dec '25

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.

71Five VoTech became more than a program for him. It became a place of peace. A place where he could heal, learn a skill, and start to believe that his past does not define his future. Thank you for believing in 71Five with your time, donations and prayers… Now young people like Ryan can believe in the Hope found in Jesus!

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

Dec '25

Come-and-See

Posted on Dec 5, 2025 by Shane Skirvin | Life Change Story | 34

Dec '25

The Bible talks about us having different abilities and talents. Not everyone has to be an evangelist or a pastor, in fact, one of the most effective ways to reach people that I have seen is demonstrated by a young lady, Kalli. She has been coming to 71Five Campus in North Medford for a long time now and has been a huge part in increasing the attendance of the high school club by simply inviting friends. She has a “come-and-see” attitude (John 1:39-46) that really works!

It is really encouraging to realize that extending an invitation or being excited about something is such a draw to people! Jesus said when He is lifted up, He will draw all people to himself [John 12:32]. I love seeing how Jesus can use a simple and seemingly casual invitation to change who a person is forever! It is awesome how God uses small things like this, as hinges for big doors to swing on. In this spirit, I want to make a simple invitation for you to “come-and-see” by joining what we are doing and be a part of this mission to reach the lost youth of Southern Oregon. Thank you for your support in helping this young woman who is so eager to reach her friends for Jesus!

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

Dec '25

With a Heavy Heart!

Posted on Dec 1, 2025 by Beau Jeska | Life Change Story | 100

Dec '25

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 | 17

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 | 14

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 | 16

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 | 20

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 | 20

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 | 23

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