Thank you for being a part of sharing the most important gift with the young people in your community.

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

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

Do you know someone whose life could be transformed by pursuing full-time vocational ministry? Mine certainly was! After seven years with 71Five, I’ve learned that God’s most important ministry is the one He has with my heart as He uses my calling to draw me closer to Him. Would you take a moment to pray and ask God to reveal someone who might be a great fit for these openings?

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

Cameron is in High School, he and his younger brother go to 71Five. Months ago, they heard finding a mentor was an option. We have been looking ever since. It’s hard to find men like you willing to form 1:1 relationships. These boys have a difficult home life. They are looking for mentors who can bring fun and activity to their lives. Cameron wants to mature and is interested in growing in the mental, physical, social, & spiritual areas of life. When I asked his younger brother “What are you most thankful for right now?” he replied, “The time I get at 71Five.” I have seen the power of 1:1 relationship as the hope of God transforms lives.

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

Here’s a saying I often repeat to my staff—

Tony is a 20-year-old young man who came to 71Five VoTech back in August. He came in hungry to learn some skills and asked many questions. However, most of his questions were toward the verse of the day we would go over after class. I’ve had the privilege to share the God’s story with Tony multiple times in different ways since August which led to inviting him to Upwards church with me in October. Tony had never been to church. He got to meet Paster Al and some other attenders who welcomed him with open arms. Both 71Five VoTech and the church have been able to answer most of Tony’s questions about Jesus. Because of your partnership with 71Five VoTech, Tony made a confession of faith to Jesus and I had the honor of baptizing him last week!

IAN NAMU,  71Five VoTech Assistant Coordinator – Medford 

808.371.0240 | ian@71Five.org

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

Intimacy… it’s something we all crave deep down inside, but we often forget we need. We forget consciously any way. That is the story of a group of teens who came to 71Five Campus on a Friday night. These middle schoolers had been going with the flow, and through the motions, but were craving something more; something meaningful. Some of them had experienced Jesus before, and the life and joy He gives, and others had only dreamt of such fullness and peace. But each of these teens, whether they had experienced the presence of God before, found Him that night. God tells us, through the prophet Jeremiah, that those who seek Him will find Him when they search with their whole heart. There is something utterly beautiful about seeing someone seek God with their entire being… seeking to find much more than a concept or an idea to acknowledge. No, they are yearning for and reaching out to Yahweh for a relationship. This is what true intimacy is. This is the truest form of freedom that we share with every kid who comes to 71Five Campus.

PETER KUHL,  71Five Ministry 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

A couple of years ago Aiden lost his mother to cancer. Since then, it’s been very difficult on Aiden and his brothers. Since I’ve known Aiden, he’s always had sort of a mischievous sense of humor. On Wednesday at 71Five City’s after school Drop-In, I told the story of how I woke up screaming from a cramp in my calf and how it woke one of my siblings up. For some reason, and for the very first time, I witnessed Aiden give a real and genuine laugh and the biggest smile I’ve ever seen from him! This is a huge milestone for Aiden… From a kid who I’ve only seen slightly force a grin or chuckle while he’s busy annoying someone, has now opened himself up with this emotional response. I’m hopeful that Aiden is ready to share the real and genuine young person he is with us.

ISAIAH ABNEY,  71Five City – Liberty Park Coordinator  

(706) 748-1999 | isaiah@71Five.org

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