71Five Year-End Gift Campaign
Going on through the end of the year.
Give the Gift of HOPE this Season!!!
Youth 71Five Ministries
“Lord God, you are my hope. I have trusted you since I was young.” [Psalm 71:5 icb]
Relational Ministry
We exist to share God’s story of hope with young people through trusting relationships in any relevant way.
Find out more about each of our unique youth activities by clicking the button >>>
Download our ShareFaith app to your mobile device and choose 71Five:
TRUST TO HOPE
Youth 71Five Ministries provides many opportunities for loving, caring, Christ-following adults to engage in the lives of lost and hurting kids. We aim to bring hope through relationship; providing a safe place to belong and sharing the message of the Gospel. There are a number of ways for you to be involved in the work God is doing in the Rogue Valley – there is a place for you on our team! Young people desperately need your friendship and the love of Jesus in their lives. Through your involvement and God’s power, we will see young lives transformed.
kids need a safe place
Too many kids lack nurturing homes and a sense of belonging. At our 71Five Campus Youth Centers, 71Five City Community Center and 71Five VoTech Training Centers, kids find a safe, fun place to relax and caring adults who take the time to know them. 71Five Campus programs provide opportunities to discuss life lessons from a Christ-centered perspective. 71Five City is an effective ministry model to transform the lives of inner-city youth, their families and the neighborhood communities that they live in.
kids need hope and encouragement
Many young people make poor decisions related to drugs and violence. These kids often end up in Juvenile Detention Centers feeling broken and hopeless. And our 71Five Connect Workshop reaches kids with a powerful resiliency program in local schools. The 71Five Adventure, 71Five Justice and 71Five Connect staff and volunteers offer listening ears and the hope and encouragement found in a relationship with God.
kids need someone to imitate
Kids are always looking for role models to imitate, but many are growing up in relational poverty where they have no good role models to follow. Our 71Five Adventure, 71Five Justice, 71Five Mentors, 71Five Parents and 71Five VoTech mentoring programs provide young people with long term trusting relationships with adults that form the foundation for healthy influence.
we are unique in our work
Although we offer fun and helpful programs for kids, our real work is building the relationships necessary for kids to thrive. By providing places where youth feel secure, by delivering a message of real hope, and by being people kids can truly count on, we are seeing lives transformed.
We mobilize responsible caring adults to be engaged in trusting relationships with young people. We desire this for every young person in our valley. These relationships are the foundation for guiding young people according to the teachings of Jesus Christ—helping them to develop the mental, physical, social, and spiritual components of their lives. Young people will be given hope and purpose so they can thrive individually and strengthen our community.
Youth 71Five Ministry Activities…
Youth 71Five Ministries Includes:
Youth 71Five Ministries exists to share God’s story of hope with young people through trusting relationship in any relevant way. We believe that influence happens best through healthy, authentic, and trusting relationships.
We mobilize responsible caring adults to be engaged in trusting relationships with young people. We desire this for every young person in our valley. These relationships are the foundation for guiding young people according to the teachings of Jesus Christ—helping them to develop the mental, physical, social, and spiritual components of their lives. Young people will be given hope and purpose so they can thrive individually and strengthen our community.
Youth Event Registration:
Every month we usually do at least one extra activity.
Some examples of our activities are: Cave Quest, Snow-day, Paintball, Bowling, Fundraisers, Summer and Winter Camps, Rafting, Redding Water Slides, and lots more.
“Lord God, you are my hope. I have trusted in you since i was young.” [Psalm 71:5 icb]
Youth 71Five Ministries Involvement
Oregon Business magazine announced Youth 71Five Ministries is a 100 Best Nonprofit to work for! Youth 71Five Ministries is not only a workplace to grow and develop professionally, it’s a place that will change you personally. Our organization is also proud to be a GuideStar Platinum Nonprofit Profile participant. Platinum lets us show quantitative metrics on the progress we’re making toward our mission. We thank God for your generosity and we promise to use your financial gift wisely. Youth 71Five Ministries depends on the involvement of caring adults to accomplish our mission—to share God’s story of hope with young people through trusting relationship in any relevant way. We believe that influence happens best through healthy, authentic, and trusting relationships. We are asking God to raise up an army of caring adults who will establish relationships with the youth in our communities. We need volunteers who will serve directly with students, mentoring advocates, intercessors, financial partners, and administrative help in the office. Wherever your gifts and talents lie, you can make an eternal difference in a young person’s life.
you can get involved
Operating in Jackson and Josephine Counties: (3) Youth Centers, (3) Community Centers, and (2) Training Centers. Building trusting relationships through these (9) initiatives: 71Five Adventure, 71Five Camp, 71Five Campus, 71Five City, 71Five Connect, 71Five Justice, 71Five Mentors, 71Five Parents, and 71Five VoTech.
“Come to me, all of you who are tired and have heavy loads. I will give you rest. Accept my work and learn from me. I am gentle and humble in spirit. And you will find rest for your souls. The work that I ask you to accept is easy. The load I give you to carry is not heavy.” [Matthew 11:28-30 icb]
Ready to Volunteer?
Give us your info and we’ll be in touch.
71Five LIFE CHANGE STORIES
& TRUST TO HOPE MOMENT VIDEOS
71Five Trust To Hope Moments
Watch the latest (monthly) 71Five Trust To Hope Moment Video from Bud Amundsen, 71Five Executive Director at our YouTube Channel or Below:
Life Change Stories
Read the latest (weekly) Life Change Stories of 71Five Youth and Sign-up to get them delivered to your email here:
24
Dec '25
Simple Words. . .
24
Dec '25
When I first started with 71Five last August, I was honored to begin one-to-one mentoring with a high school student. From the start, I saw so much of myself in her at that age, quiet, guarded, unsure of her belonging. Because of you, month by month, I watched her change. She started showing up to youth group more consistently. She was talking more with others, not hiding behind her phone. She began to believe that she mattered. Because of you, her family also received groceries and a gift during a season when they truly needed it the most. Last week, as I drove her home, she randomly said, “This year has been so much better than last… Thank you!” These simple words were the greatest gift I could receive.
Because of you, 71Five is bringing love, consistency, and hope to youth in West Medford… One relationship at a time… THANK YOU!!!
MISHA OWNSBEY-ROSE, 71Five City Coordinator – West Medford
707.485.2503 | misha@71Five.org
“Lord God, you are my hope. I have trusted you since I was young.” Psalm 71:5 ICB
Read more...
23
Dec '25
Lost In The Dark
23
Dec '25
Have you ever been lost in the dark? As a teen, a friend and I went cross-country skiing one cold afternoon. Single digits aren’t a problem for Minnesota kids, so we had a great time bushwacking through the frozen slough. We realized too late it would be dark before we got back, and the temp was dropping. We thought we could just follow the frozen creek back, but because of all the twists and turns of the creek, we weren’t sure if we were heading to the car or away from it. After turning around, we lost our tracks. Now it was pitch black, very cold, and we had no idea which way to go. We weren’t prepared, and we knew this is how people die. I remember the feeling of dread from being cold, hungry, and lost, with no way to change it.
This describes so many young people we know. They’re lost with no way to change it. There’s an epidemic of anxiety and hopelessness, and many are succumbing to it… After trudging blindly in the dark, the clouds broke, and we could see the moon. That light meant all the difference in the world. We figured out our direction… we were going the wrong way. That single point of light got us out of danger by giving us certainty, direction, and hope. It was a long slog back to the car, but we knew we’d make it.
Isaiah 9:2 comes alive to me after that! It says: “The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.” Christmas is here! The ‘great light’ was born and saved the world! Will you join 71Five in bringing the “light of the world” to those who live in the shadow of death? Will you go above and beyond with a special year-end gift? The year-end matching gift will double every dollar given above and beyond. Your gifts answer the anxiety and hopelessness with certainty, direction, and hope!
BUD AMUNDSEN, 71Five Executive Director
541.779.3275 | bud@71Five.org
“Lord God, you are my hope. I have trusted you since I was young.” Psalm 71:5 ICB
Read more...
19
Dec '25
Take a Closer Look
19
Dec '25
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
Read more...
15
Dec '25
Life felt heavy, loud, and out of control.
15
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
Read more...
05
Dec '25
Come-and-See
05
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
(541) 646-1475 | shane@71Five.org
“Lord God, you are my hope. I have trusted you since I was young.” Psalm 71:5 ICB
Read more...
01
Dec '25
With a Heavy Heart!
01
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
Read more...
19
Nov '25
Bringing God’s hope to hurting lives!
19
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
Read more...
14
Nov '25
Thankfulness Leads to Joy!
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
Read more...
07
Nov '25
“I can’t thank you enough for lending me a helping hand.”
07
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
Read more...
31
Oct '25
71Five points young people to Jesus!
31
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
Read more...
