“Can we talk about hard stuff?”

HomeLife Change Story“Can we talk about hard stuff?”
21
Mar '25

“Can we talk about hard stuff?”

Posted on Mar 21, 2025 by Sara Vassallo in Life Change Story | 0

21
Mar '25

One evening, as club night wrapped up at 71Five Campus – Central Point, a few of us including myself, another leader, and a couple of students wandered back inside to grab some water and begin cleaning up. We sat for a while, chatting about the usual middle school topics—school, friends, and home life. That’s when Amanda asked, “Can we talk about hard stuff?” For the next half hour, Amanda opened up about the struggles she’s been carrying: challenges at school, dealing with bullying, adjusting to yet another foster home, and trying to process traumas that many her age just don’t understand. Amanda didn’t need quick fixes or easy answers—she needed someone to be present and listen. In a tangible way, to show her the love of Jesus. Because of 71Five, she had a place where she felt safe enough to ask, “Can we talk about hard stuff?”

Every game, every meal, and every conversation is an opportunity to be the hands and feet of Jesus to students who are searching for hope. Your partnership is the reason kids like Amanda get to hear the truth that God sees them, loves them, and walks with them through every hard moment. Thank you for helping create a space where kids can build trusting relationships that remind them that they don’t have to face the hard stuff all alone.
 

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

^