Bella is a young girl who came to us from Georgia. She was at the lowest point in her life. She had no friends, she had dropped out of high school, and she felt hopeless. She showed up to 71Five VoTech in a black hoodie with the hood pulled up over her head. She hardly spoke to us, but she did say that she was interested in welding. Bella’s life changed. Within a few short classes Bella would be the first student to arrive. She no longer wore her hoodie over her head, she had a bright smile, and she became an excellent welder. Bella re-enrolled into high school at the nudging of the 71Five VoTech staff. In her own words, Bella said, “Since coming to VoTech, I gained a skill in the trades, friends, and a family.” Bella went on to design and weld window guards for the Salvation Army. She graduated from high school a year early and is now waiting to turn 18 to enroll in the Erickson Aviation Apprenticeship Program! Just this month Bella spoke at Southern Oregon University to a group of women about what 71Five VoTech means to her. She brought the house down. We are so proud of this young lady and the bright future that is in store for her.

 

Thank you for making life changing possibilities for all the young people like Bella.

 

 

Aiden has been coming to 71Five Campus for a little over a year. He’s got a huge personality! He loves to add his one-of-a-kind humor to any situation, and he sure does light up a room. 71Five had the opportunity to participate in the 4th of July parade in Eagle Point this year and Aiden didn’t hold back ANY of himself while helping represent the ministry. A little more about Aiden, is his love for God. About a year ago he took a huge step forward in his faith. He always loves learning more about Jesus, and I’ve witnessed God working in his life to help him grow. In a conversation we had recently, Aiden was talking about certain ways he acts or responds that he realizes is wrong, and that he’d like to change it. While Aiden had stated something he needed to work on, God helped me to see a work that had already been done… that IS being done right now. God is making Aiden’s heart more like His own. God promises that He will continue the good work that he has started in you until it is complete.

 

We are able to impact the lives of kids like Aiden, and help them grow closer to God through trusting relationships, and kids are presented with the opportunity to step out in faith, and press into God.

 

Crystal is popular and outgoing but has struggled to fit in our group, being distracted or being the distraction. But, at 71Five Camp this summer she felt at home and quickly made friends with an outstanding group of girls who are very involved at their church! With this being the first camp she’d ever been to, it was a very pleasant surprise! In the words of one camp volunteer, “She was like a completely different person.” Seeing such positive changes in a young person’s life is a win to celebrate! When these kids seek out and join a positive Christian group of friends, it’s an awesome thing! The Bible says that a friend doesn’t just sharpen you [Proverbs 27:17] but followers of Christ will show the world Jesus’ love in the way they love each other [John 13:35].

 

You are helping Crystal and many others make such positive, life-changing choices. Thank you!