At 71Five VoTech – Grants Pass, every project is an opportunity for transformation, and none exemplifies this better than the story of five young men and a chicken coop. These boys—Tommy, Luke, Jesse, Mason, and Caleb—arrived on the first day of class with different backgrounds, abilities, and levels of confidence. Some had never held a hammer; others carried the weight of struggles outside the classroom. They seemed unsure of themselves and each other, hesitant to connect. The challenge? Build a sturdy, functional chicken coop over 11sessions. It was more than a structure—it was a test of their ability to collaborate, learn, and grow. In the first few classes, progress was slow. Measuring lumber turned into a tangle of tape measures and math errors. Power tools were intimidating, and disagreements surfaced over simple decisions. Yet, amid the uncertainty, something powerful began to take root. With the guidance of their instructor and gentle encouragement to “get it wrong, then learn to get it right,” the boys started leaning on one another. Tommy, the natural leader, began asking quiet Caleb for his thoughts. Jesse, usually quick to joke, grew serious as he learned the importance of precision. Their first victory came when they framed the coop’s base—level and square. The cheers that followed filled the shop, signaling not just a milestone, but a breakthrough in their confidence. Luke, who had been shy at first, took the lead on assembling the walls. Mason, who struggled with patience, learned to slow down and focus on sanding each board until it was just right. Each boy found his strength and began to see the value he brought to the team. By the final session, the chicken coop stood tall, complete with a hinged door, nesting boxes, and even a coat of weatherproof paint. It wasn’t just a chicken coop—it was a monument to the journey they’d taken together. The transformation wasn’t just about the coop. Jesse admitted, “I now understand the value of hard work and focus.” Caleb, once reserved, shared, “This group has become my second family.” Luke said, “This experience taught me that I could lead.” The boys walked away not just with new skills in carpentry, but with a sense of pride, camaraderie, and a glimpse of their potential.

AARON FAUST,  71Five VoTech Coordinator – Grants Pass

541.761.5143 | aaron@71Five.org

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