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Job Fair Success

Posted on Nov 15, 2023 by Beau Jeska | Life Change Story | 0

Recently, I took 3 young men to a job fair in Canyonville, Oregon. One I met in Juvenile Detention almost 7 years ago. We have stayed in touch over the years and continue to have a close bond. There is something truly special about the friendships I have formed with the youth in Detention, and I feel so blessed to be a trusted person in their lives. The job fair was a huge success. Each of these young men found a different career path which suited them. The level of excitement in the van ride home was glorious. As we talked, they revealed just how hopeless they had been feeling without direction and purpose in their lives.

Thank you for partnering in this work of building trusting relationships that bring hope and purpose to bleak situations.

BEAU JESKA, 71Five Justice Ministry Director – Medford

541.601.9631 | beau@71Five.org

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

Finding an Example

Posted on Nov 7, 2023 by Wendy Collins | Life Change Story | 0

There are 1000’s of young people in our community who are disconnected, discouraged, and directionless. They need someone to offer them time to connect, encourage, & guide them. Emma is just one of these young people. She reached out to 71Five Mentors because she wanted a one-to-one trusting relationship. So many young people like her are looking for this same thing. Emma is 15 years old and wants someone who will bring encouragement and fun into her life. She’s looking for someone she can learn from, find an example in, someone to help her set new goals & learn to keep boundaries. She’s interested in learning new things and exploring opportunities for her personal growth in the mental, physical, social, and spiritual aspects of her life through time spent talking and doing things together after school.

Like Emma, we have more young people struggling to find a safe adult to turn to for hope. With as little as 4 flexible hours per month you can make a life changing impact. Mentoring leads to God’s transforming hope one relationship at a time.

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

Choosing to live in the ‘fake life’. . . .

Posted on Oct 30, 2023 by Bud Amundsen | Life Change Story | 0

Do you know who Milla Sofia is? Milla is a completely artificial Virtual Influencer. “She” is projected as a beautiful woman from Finland living the perfect life, doing amazing things… but none of it’s real. “She” has made the news recently because people are interacting with her as a real person, asking her on dates, asking for advice, and following her on social media. What’s frightening isn’t Milla deceiving people, (Her producers are very clear that the perfect person living the perfect life is fantasy) it’s that young people know it’s fantasy but are choosing to live in the ‘fake life.’ Young people being addicted to fantasy which is much more appealing than reality. It’s clearly a trap and the results are devastating. Mental health issues, depression, and suicide are destroying young people at staggering rates because they are enticed by happiness in the ‘fake life’ but they can’t actually attain it. When the digital dream is better than real life, life becomes an unbearable burden.

Thank you for providing trustworthy, competent, and caring adults to each young person. A real person to get them out of the digital fantasy and experiencing actual life. Kids know real life is hard, it hurts, and often there’s good reason to try and escape it. But you can’t escape it for long. This is when a trusted friend who’s lived and learned that a bit of well-focused faith, perseverance and work can bring love, joy, and peace with God. The true best life.

BUD AMUNDSEN, 71Five Executive Director

541.301.0897 | bud@71Five.org

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

Bella from Georgia Brought the House Down!

Posted on Oct 24, 2023 by Teresa Hutley | Life Change Story | 0

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.

TERESA HUTLEY, 71Five VoTech Case Manager – Medford

541.282.4689 | theresahutley@71Five.org

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

Until It’s Complete

Posted on Oct 16, 2023 by Peter Kuhl | Life Change Story | 0

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.

PETER KUHL, 71Five Campus Coordinator – 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

Seeing a difference!

Posted on Oct 9, 2023 by Shane Skirvin | Life Change Story | 0

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!

SHANE SKIRVIN, 71Five City – Liberty Park Coordinator

(541) 646-1475 | shane@71Five.org

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

Not What You Want… What You Need!

Posted on Oct 2, 2023 by Farrah Guthrie | Life Change Story | 0

Recently, I’d been concerned about a student whose demeanor had drastically changed and was showing signs of suicidal thoughts. As his mentor, I knew I had to do something, and I had to move quickly. The only hang up was my own insecurities and negative thoughts about whether I was the one who’d be able to help. Then the Lord began to reveal to me the truth about who, and what, He’s called me to do, and be. Ephesians 2:10 says we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. This is the exact affirmation I needed! The next time we met, I sat down beside him and reminded him of a conversation we had a couple months ago when he said God didn’t answer his prayers. I said, “I am the answer to your prayers. God doesn’t give us what we want, He gives us what we need. Sometimes that’s delivered in a nice wrapped up package together, but not always. God gave you me and I will do all I can to help, because I care.” In that moment, a glimpse of hope shown in his eyes and his burden lifted slightly.

These are the moments we at 71Five exist for; so we can share God’s story of hope through trusting relationships in any relevant way… because together, you and I, we care.

FARRAH GUTHRIE, 71Five City – Grants Pass Coordinator

(541) 840-6544 | farrah@71Five.org

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

People Care

Posted on Sep 25, 2023 by Breanna Stoutenburgh | Life Change Story | 0

Tami shared with me that although life has been stressful lately; she loves her job. Sometimes she brings her daughter with her to work, and her daughter watches tv while Tami cares for residents, cleans or does laundry. After her work shift Tami walks a block carrying her sleeping daughter home. She said, “If it wasn’t for the support of 71Five Parents, things would be much harder.” Attending Parent Night each Monday helps her feel supported. It’s one night per week she doesn’t have to shop or cook, her daughter can play, and she can get support from people who care. Tami did not know the Lord when she first started coming to 71Five in October of 2021. She said that every time she attends Parent Night she feels a, “Safe, inviting presence.” Tami now has a relationship with the Lord, she says “I believe in Jesus.”

Thank you for providing a safe place and hopeful future to young mothers like Tami and their children. You are truly the hands and feet of Jesus.

BREANNA STOUTENBURGH, 71Five Parents Coordinator

(541) 941-7697 | breanna@71Five.org

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

Who would have thought?

Posted on Sep 19, 2023 by Will Arias | Life Change Story | 0

Our conversation began about a TV show called: “Stranger Things”. I was caught up on it since I’d just binged watched it, and Zoey and Lilly now knew that. They had been riding scooters to pick up food from the local food pantry. But as the minutes went by, then an hour, and then another hour, they missed picking up food and I was late for lunch. There wasn’t a mention of Jesus in this conversation but, He was there. Those hours became days, then months, and a year later they sat in church with Debi, one of our 71Five Campus leaders. Who would have thought a conversation about a TV show would lead to attending church?

The girls have received Bibles and are asking important questions. While they have their hiccups, they’ve become a crucial part of our program in Shady Cove. They volunteer their time to move piles of dirt and they also come to help with our Kid’s Club… “Who would have thought?” Thanks for seeing the importance of opening a safe place to belong in Shady Cove.

WILL ARIAS, 71Five Campus Coordinator – Shady Cove

(541) 841-6400 | will@71Five.org

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

David & Goliath Exposed

Posted on Sep 13, 2023 by Troy Ellis | Life Change Story | 0