13
Aug '24
‘Socially Awkward’
13
Aug '24
As you may know, many of the youth today lack a direction and a purpose for living. Here at 71Five our goal is to assist young adults to find that direction and purpose. One wonderful example of this is a young man that has attended 71Five VoTech Training and came back again and again. He was the first to arrive and always the last to leave. I was very impressed with his dedication and willingness to help as needed. The only drawback was that he almost never spoke and in his own words is ‘socially awkward.’ As I sat next to him at graduation a thought came to me to invite him to become a volunteer here at 71Five VoTech in Medford. He said, “Can I do that?” I told him that he would be a great asset to the program and that he could be a great help to the students. He nearly immediately went to our main office and filled out an application and has now finished the process of becoming not only our youngest volunteer but our first alumni student to become a volunteer. On his application there is a question that asks, what is your greatest challenge to being a volunteer. He answered, “I lack social skills.” I am sure that will change in time, but I see this also as an asset, as he can relate and connect with so many of our students that also lack social skills.
Jayden, I am excited to have you on the team and looking forward to seeing how God will be leading you in this exciting endeavor as you began as a student and now a volunteer with 71Five VoTech.
LARRY LICATO, 71Five VoTech Coordinator – Medford
541.890.1819 | larry@71Five.org
“Lord God, you are my hope. I have trusted you since I was young.” Psalm 71:5 ICB
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06
May '24
10 Words
06
May '24
Jayden graduated from our 71Five VoTech training program about a month ago. I knew Jayden for a little over a year before he came to Votech and I have only heard him say about 10 words since I’ve known him. To say the least, he was a shy kid as he entered VoTech. Like many of our students, he was unsure about what he wanted to do with his life. Jayden lacked direction and purpose. However, while taking our training classes, he has grown tremendously in his technical and personal skills. He continues to come to our classes, even after graduating, to learn more and is even helping us lead the other students during our project times. Through God’s grace, instructor’s encouragement, and generous donors like you, Jayden has found a new confidence in himself and has learned how to step out of his comfort zone.
Thank you for being an important part of Jayden’s journey of growth through your prayers, time, and financial support.
LARRY LICATO, 71Five VoTech Coordinator – Medford
541.890.1819 | larry@71Five.org
“Lord God, you are my hope. I have trusted you since I was young.” Psalm 71:5 ICB
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25
Jul '23
We can see a difference
25
Jul '23
We often hold orientation classes to invite students to join 71Five VoTech Training. One young lady was so impressed she said. “I’ll be back to take this class for sure, I love what is happening here.” Young people from all walks of life participate and recently a few from the Eagle Point High School VIP program that’s for youth that need special assistance. She was one and as she said, she came back.
She would regularly get up and take pictures of the projection screen. I thought, “What a good way to take notes.” After some time in class we learned she is nearly blind and struggles with other disabilities, but she never gave up. We’ve never seen a student work so hard, but the work paid off and she graduated with a certificate of construction and safety.
The important part of this story is that we share God’s message of hope nearly every time we meet and usually at the end during our social time. So for 12 classes over 6 weeks seeds of God’s love were planted in her heart and though she is nearly blind, her heart has been opened to see the love of Jesus and we can see a difference.
LARRY LICATO, 71Five VoTech Coordinator – Medford
(541) 890-1819 | larry@71Five.org
“Lord God, you are my hope. I have trusted you since I was young.” Psalm 71:5 ICB
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24
Jan '23
If not here, then where?
24
Jan '23
Here at Youth 71Five Ministries our mission is all about seeing lives changed. At 71Five VoTech we only have the students for 12 weeks and then they graduate. Last night the doorbell rang and there was a young man and his family standing outside. “Sam will be graduating from your program in a few days.” they said, “But he loves VoTech and doesn’t want to leave! He hasn’t done well in school and being here is the best thing that’s happened to him.” Sam is one of our shining stars. So I suggested he join our next class, he asked, “How can I do that.” “You could be a student leader and assist me with teaching the new student’s.” You should have seen the smile on his face. Sam’s eyes lit up as he said, “I would rather be here than anywhere else.” His family nodded in agreement. To see a young man who struggled with school and life now be an excited student leader at 71Five VoTech is amazing. Not only can he attend class again but has found a purpose.
Because of your love and care for these young people, they have a place ‘here’ rather than out there somewhere. You provided a place of safety, encouragement, relationships, training and now, serving others… not to mention that we get to share the love of Jesus with him for another twelve weeks. Now that’s a life changed. Thank you!
LARRY LICATO, 71Five VoTech Coordinator – Medford
(541) 890-1819 | larry@71Five.org
“Lord God, you are my hope. I have trusted you since I was young.” Psalm 71:5 ICB
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25
Oct '22
Upgrade
25
Oct '22
In our current classes, we have four returning students. Of these, two students are resent graduates of a Juvenile Justice system called B2B meaning Barriers to Bridges. They requested to join us and are now back. They are learning employment skills, practical life skills and hearing God’s word. These young men have had some serious issues in their lives but are committed to doing better. One of them is housed with us and has only been here a few days. He shared that since he graduated out of B2B he has been struggling with being drawn back into drugs, alcohol and just hanging out with the wrong people. “Why?” she asked. He said, “For comfort and to feel connected.” On my way to 71Five VoTech this morning, I passed him a few blocks away from walking by the local park. I was concerned to see him out and about. I waved at him as I went by and he waved back. I later overheard him talking to our case manager. He mentioned seeing me and waving as he was on his way to school. “What?” I thought… “On his way to school?” He said to her, “I started back to school today, I also applied for a job, I got my food card, I am working on getting a bus pass.” Then he said, “I would like to start going to church again.” This is definitely an “Up Grade” from the young man we knew that was out on the street looking for ways to ease his pain.
You have changed the life of this young man. Thank you for your continuous prayers and support for the work of 71Five and especially for 71Five VoTech – Medford branch of the ministry as we see more young people Up Grade their lives.
LARRY LICATO, 71Five VoTech Coordinator – Medford
(541) 890-1819 | larry@71Five.org
“Lord God, you are my hope. I have trusted you since I was young.” Psalm 71:5 ICB
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10
Nov '21
I heard
10
Nov '21
Lately we’ve noticed something interesting at 71Five VoTech. People show up and start conversations with, “I heard…” Questions like: “I heard I can get air for my bike tire here.” Or, “I heard you can fix my taillights!” More importantly, I had a dad come by and say, “I heard you guys work with youth, do you think you might be able to reach my son?” The dad was at a loss to know what to do and was desperate to not lose his son. Together we are seeing his son thrive, make better life choices, engage in activities, learn new skills and most importantly, hear about the love of Jesus. This same family has now taken in a homeless young man and then said, “I heard you can include a boy like this into your classes. I would love to bring him here.” This second young man is also doing well.
People also say, “I heard you can use a new saw or a meal to feed the youth.” Have you ever had a tug on your heart to reach the youth of our valley… to be a person who builds trust that leads to hope? If so, you are just the one we’d love to have join 71Five, as a volunteer, prayer warrior or financial partner.
LARRY LICATO, 71Five VoTech Coordinator – Medford
(541) 890-1819 | larry@71Five.org
“Lord God, you are my hope. I have trusted you since I was young.” Psalm 71:5 ICB
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18
Aug '21
Where are you?
18
Aug '21
While at 71Five VoTech, one student, Thom, was very open to share his love for Jesus with the other students. Admittedly, his bible knowledge was sometimes a little off, but he told me that he felt called to help anyone that needed to hear a good word. I usually didn’t correct him on the spot as I knew his heart was in the right place. I realized I hadn’t seen him for a while, so I shot him a text. I asked if he would like to come to my house for dinner sometime. He texted me right back saying, “Yes, how about tomorrow?” The next day I called him. So, where are you, I asked. He said he was downtown walking. I asked if I could swing by and pick him up. He agreed and as we drove, we talked. I found out that he moved out of his house and was living in the laundry room of a family that took him in. Also, he was working almost full time and trying his best to do well. At our house we had dinner and watched a little TV. Then on the way home he started to talk. He shared how important God was in his life and he new that God was there taking care of him. As I let him out in the middle of town, I told him he can come over anytime. He smiled and thanked me and as he turned to go, with tears welling up, he told me that I was a very special person in his life. As I drove off, noticeably harder to see and the wipers were no help, I thought back and answered my own question. I know where you are Thom. In the center of Gods love.
You my friends are the reason there is Trust that leads to Hope for so many youth who have no meaningful adult relationships. Thank you for continuing to build these trusting relationships.
LARRY LICATO, 71Five VoTech Coordinator
(541) 890-1819 | larry@71Five.org
“Lord God, you are my hope. I have trusted you since I was young.” Psalm 71:5 ICB
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25
May '21
Voltmeter to Volunteer
25
May '21
A young lady with an awesome attitude and lots of potential joined our last class and took off like a rocket. This young lady faces many challenges in her life yet faces them head on. She’s all about asking questions and listened intently, whether to the training or when we shared God’s word at the end of the evening. She immediately absorbed the names of tools and the proper use of them, like socket wrenches and torque wrenches. My favorite comment from her came when we planned an upcoming brake repair. She said, “I’ve done a few of these… I got this… easy!” About 10 weeks into our class, she said something I really didn’t see coming, “Can I apply to be a Volunteer; I’d love to be a part of all that’s happening here!”
Because of your faithful love and support, this young lady went from “What’s a Voltmeter?” to “Can I volunteer?” She’s going to be a wonderful asset to 71Five VoTech and any auto shop she applies to. Thank you for being a part of this amazing transition for this young lady and many other students like her!
LARRY LICATO, 71Five VoTech Coordinator
(541) 890-1819 | larry@71Five.org
“Lord God, you are my hope. I have trusted you since I was young.” Psalm 71:5 ICB
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30
Nov '20
Can’t NOT Be There 😷
30
Nov '20
Every day, I am blessed to see life change in the young people that we serve here at 71Five. But… More importantly than their freedom that comes with a job, is the need for connections. One young man was held back from attending 71Five VoTech by his family wanting to respect the Governor’s Covid-19 restrictions. A few days later, the young man called and asked if it wasn’t too late for him to return. His mother told me, “My son is sad and depressed; he needs to be there at 71Five VoTech for his mental health. He just can’t not be there!” This young man and others are here before the doors open and stay until I remind them that I don’t live here. We’re not only teaching career and life skills but through relationships we’re bringing hope to a hurting and lonely world. Jesus said, “I will never leave you, nor forsake you” and I believe as we lead them from trust to hope in Him, we are actually saving lives.
Thank you for being a partner with Youth 71Five Ministries! I ask and pray that you too, “Can’t not stay away!” Come join us in this powerful mission of bringing hope to a desperately disconnected generation. LARRY LICATO 71Five VoTech Coordinator (541) 779-3275 larry@71Five.org
“Lord God, you are my hope. I have trusted you since I was young.” Psalm 71:5 ICB
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28
Sep '20
Sharing Lunch
28
Sep '20
Two weeks ago, as the boys from B2B Juvenile Justice sat down for lunch, they all pulled out the bag of chips and then set the rest of their bag lunches on the workbench. I asked what was going on and their staff leader said, “They want to donate their lunches to the homeless in our neighborhood.” Being overwhelmed, I turned to one of my volunteers and asked, “What just happened here?” He said, “These young men have been treated with respect and have seen what sharing and giving is like. I guess, in their way, they want to give back.” Then one young man said without hesitation, “We have plenty, we’ll eat again later.” They’ve been sharing their lunches ever since.
In a gentle and organic way, these young men are becoming followers of Jesus’ example and are feeling the blessing that comes with giving. I believe, the boy that gave Jesus his loaves and a couple of fish was blessed much more than the people who were fed. I hope you are blessed by this report as you too are giving and caring for these young adults in so many different ways. Come join us to further the great commission… making followers of Jesus. My phone number is (541) 779-3275. Hoping we’ll talk soon! LARRY LICATO 71Five VoTech Coordinator (541) 779-3275 larry@71Five.org
“Lord God, you are my hope. I have trusted you since I was young.” Psalm 71:5 ICB
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