Daisy is a smart, beautiful, and very funny young girl… but she comes from a broken home where she’s constantly told the opposite. Coming from an unstable home filled with verbal and emotional abuse, Daisy’s seeks refuge at 71Five. Although her life seemed to be filled with uncertainties, one thing always remains the same… “This is my favorite place!” Daisy is matched with a patient, caring, and loving 71Five mentor whose family also loves Daisy. When an unfortunate event happened resulting with Daisy being placed into foster care, her mentor was the first person she contacted. Although she’s in a foster home, the strong bond between Daisy and her mentor has been recognized as essential for Daisy. Thankfully, a sense of stability can be preserved as they continue their friendship as well as go to Daisy’s favorite place together – club at 71Five!

 

Through 71Five Mentors, authentic and trusting relationships are formed between at-risk youth and loving Christ-following adults who are willing to stick with-it through thick & thin. Kids can maintain stability and a sense of safety through their mentoring relationships, especially when the world around them is unstable. Thank you for being a part of Daisy’s favorite place! Come join us— we need more mentors!!! DARLENE HARPER   71Five Mentors Coordinator   (541) 779.3275   darlene@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

 

Derek came to 71Five Mentors as an 11-year-old with a shattered spirit. He comes from a broken home impacted by divorce and a severe accident that left his only parent permanently disabled. Derek’s never had a male role model in his life to encourage him, pray for him, guide him and tell him he’s valued. Derek is very shy, withdrawn and lacks self-confidence all of which reflects in his introverted nature. Since his involvement in the 71Five Mentors program, Derek has been successfully matched with a mentor who has taken him under his wing and fully invited him into his own life. Less than a year into their mentoring relationship, Derek has shown great improvement in different areas of his life. He’s more engaged and open to sharing about himself, he attends a praise & worship group with his mentor and has even taken up sports at school, which is a big deal for him!

 

To God, we are all valuable (Luke 12: 6-7) and God is working through Derek’s mentor to shine His love in Derek’s life. Having a mentor in a young person’s life is proven to increase their chances of making better decisions and in turn having a more positive future. For Derek, having his mentor show him that he’s valued through actions rather than just words is monumental, and it shows from the growth we’ve seen in him. Thank you for being a part of 71Five and showing the youth we serve how valued they truly are. DARLENE HARPER  71Five Mentors Coordinator  (541) 779.3275  darlene@71Five.org

 

Lee and Ricky were matched in 2014 when Ricky was 9 years old. They’ve enjoyed hanging out, hiking, or going to Lee’s home for a homemade dinner and DIY projects in Lee’s yard. Last year, Ricky got his first job and decided to make a special promise to Lee, that one day he would do something nice for him in return. Last December, Ricky followed through on his word and took Lee out to dinner, paying the bill for the first time ever. 71Five Mentors help at-risk youth learn how to create healthy, authentic, and loving relationships. These connections go deeper than typical friendships. Kids find hope in Jesus through these trusting relationships while gaining valuable life skills… like responsibility, goal setting, reliability, self-worth or even the significance behind a kept promise. Mentoring relationships are genuinely built through love and often last for many years.

 

Thanks to your support, mentoring relationships like Lee’s and Ricky’s become possible and promises once deemed unreachable become realities. If you feel God’s desire for you to become a mentor or be more involved, please call us and let us help you help the lost. DARLENE HARPER 71Five Mentors Coordinator (541) 779.3275 darlene@71Five.org

 

A sweet coworker gave me some chocolates for Valentine’s Day. Hidden inside was one Dove dark chocolate, my favorite! I truly adore the little messages they put on the inside of the wrappers, a treat within a treat! This one’s a gem: “Believe in those you love.” So simple yet so deep. But that’s exactly what we do at Youth 71Five Ministries. We welcome at-risk youth from all walks of life, sometimes unimaginable walks of life, and we simply love on them. We pour out our hearts, our love and our energy to let them know that they truly are loved. Through unconditional love, we’re showing them that we believe in them just as they are; just as the Lord does with us. Through this love, they find encouragement, friendship, a safe place to “fit-in,” be accepted, and best of all, it leads to the eternal love of Jesus Christ which leads to hope.

 

Thank you for believing in the young people, for your overwhelming love, and continued generosity in supporting 71Five. You are reaching out to the many at-risk youth throughout the community and sharing God’s love and God’s story with them. DARLENE HARPER 71Five Mentors Director (541) 779.3275 darlene@71Five.org

 

In the short time, I’ve been the Director of 71Five Mentors I’ve had a chance to visit some of our other ministry sites. One night at Juvenile Detention, our 71Five Justice team and I connected with a young girl who was struggling with her best friends’ suicide. She was upset and couldn’t find answers to her many questions, (including why He stopped her from ending her own life weeks before). With a listening ear, love, and friendship, we brought her hope for a better tomorrow through the Gospel of Jesus Christ. There are more at-risk youth like her across this valley that can be reached. 71Five Mentors currently has a list of kids K-12 waiting for caring adults to come alongside them and say, “I’ll be your friend.”

 

The time is now, because if not now, then when? If not us, then who? Can you do it? Will you be that friend? Call us at (541) 779-3275 and let’s talk about what it takes to connect with a kid. DARLENE HARPER 71Five Mentors Director (541) 779.3275 darlene@71Five.org