Youth 71Five Ministries
“Lord God, you are my hope. I have trusted you since I was young.” [Psalm 71:5 icb]
Relational Ministry
We exist to share God’s story of hope with young people through trusting relationships in any relevant way.
Find out more about each of our unique youth activities by clicking the button >>>
“[Some Shepherds Hear About Jesus] That night, some shepherds were in the fields nearby watching their sheep. An angel of the Lord stood before them. The glory of the Lord was shining around them, and suddenly they became very frightened. The angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid, because I am bringing you some good news. It will be a joy to all the people. Today your Savior was born in David’s town. He is Christ, the Lord.” — Luke 2:8-11 . Powered by BibleGateway.com.
Download our ShareFaith app to your mobile device and choose 71Five:
TRUST TO HOPE
Youth 71Five Ministries provides many opportunities for loving, caring, Christ-following adults to engage in the lives of lost and hurting kids. We aim to bring hope through relationship; providing a safe place to belong and sharing the message of the Gospel. There are a number of ways for you to be involved in the work God is doing in the Rogue Valley – there is a place for you on our team! Young people desperately need your friendship and the love of Jesus in their lives. Through your involvement and God’s power, we will see young lives transformed.
kids need a safe place
Too many kids lack nurturing homes and a sense of belonging. At our 71Five Campus Youth Centers, 71Five City Community Center and 71Five VoTech Training Centers, kids find a safe, fun place to relax and caring adults who take the time to know them. 71Five Campus programs provide opportunities to discuss life lessons from a Christ-centered perspective. 71Five City is an effective ministry model to transform the lives of inner-city youth, their families and the neighborhood communities that they live in.
kids need hope and encouragement
Many young people make poor decisions related to drugs and violence. These kids often end up in Juvenile Detention Centers feeling broken and hopeless. And our 71Five Connect Workshop reaches kids with a powerful resiliency program in local schools. The 71Five Adventure, 71Five Justice and 71Five Connect staff and volunteers offer listening ears and the hope and encouragement found in a relationship with God.
kids need someone to imitate
Kids are always looking for role models to imitate, but many are growing up in relational poverty where they have no good role models to follow. Our 71Five Adventure, 71Five Justice, 71Five Mentors, 71Five Parents and 71Five VoTech mentoring programs provide young people with long term trusting relationships with adults that form the foundation for healthy influence.
we are unique in our work
Although we offer fun and helpful programs for kids, our real work is building the relationships necessary for kids to thrive. By providing places where youth feel secure, by delivering a message of real hope, and by being people kids can truly count on, we are seeing lives transformed.
We mobilize responsible caring adults to be engaged in trusting relationships with young people. We desire this for every young person in our valley. These relationships are the foundation for guiding young people according to the teachings of Jesus Christ—helping them to develop the mental, physical, social, and spiritual components of their lives. Young people will be given hope and purpose so they can thrive individually and strengthen our community.
Youth 71Five Ministry Activities…
Youth 71Five Ministries Includes:
Youth 71Five Ministries exists to share God’s story of hope with young people through trusting relationship in any relevant way. We believe that influence happens best through healthy, authentic, and trusting relationships.
We mobilize responsible caring adults to be engaged in trusting relationships with young people. We desire this for every young person in our valley. These relationships are the foundation for guiding young people according to the teachings of Jesus Christ—helping them to develop the mental, physical, social, and spiritual components of their lives. Young people will be given hope and purpose so they can thrive individually and strengthen our community.
Youth Event Registration:
Every month we usually do at least one extra activity.
Some examples of our activities are: Cave Quest, Snow-day, Paintball, Bowling, Fundraisers, Summer and Winter Camps, Rafting, Redding Water Slides, and lots more.
“Lord God, you are my hope. I have trusted in you since i was young.” [Psalm 71:5 icb]
Youth 71Five Ministries Involvement
Oregon Business magazine announced Youth 71Five Ministries is a 100 Best Nonprofit to work for! Youth 71Five Ministries is not only a workplace to grow and develop professionally, it’s a place that will change you personally. Our organization is also proud to be a GuideStar Platinum Nonprofit Profile participant. Platinum lets us show quantitative metrics on the progress we’re making toward our mission. We thank God for your generosity and we promise to use your financial gift wisely. Youth 71Five Ministries depends on the involvement of caring adults to accomplish our mission—to share God’s story of hope with young people through trusting relationship in any relevant way. We believe that influence happens best through healthy, authentic, and trusting relationships. We are asking God to raise up an army of caring adults who will establish relationships with the youth in our communities. We need volunteers who will serve directly with students, mentoring advocates, intercessors, financial partners, and administrative help in the office. Wherever your gifts and talents lie, you can make an eternal difference in a young person’s life.
you can get involved
Operating in Jackson and Josephine Counties: (3) Youth Centers, (3) Community Centers, and (2) Training Centers. Building trusting relationships through these (9) initiatives: 71Five Adventure, 71Five Camp, 71Five Campus, 71Five City, 71Five Connect, 71Five Justice, 71Five Mentors, 71Five Parents, and 71Five VoTech.
“Come to me, all of you who are tired and have heavy loads. I will give you rest. Accept my work and learn from me. I am gentle and humble in spirit. And you will find rest for your souls. The work that I ask you to accept is easy. The load I give you to carry is not heavy.” [Matthew 11:28-30 icb]
Ready to Volunteer?
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Life Change Stories
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05
Sep '23
Final Night at 71Five Camp…
05
Sep '23
One year ago, I had the honor of baptizing Hailie. Since then, she began sharing Jesus with her cousin, Kadence. A few weeks ago, I received a call from Hailie, who was eager to include Kadence in 71Five High School Camp, and asked if she could come even though Kadence lives in Washington. I replied, “Of course!”
Just days before the camp, I had the pleasure of meeting Kadence. She, along with three other girls, came to camp. Throughout camp, I had the privilege of ministering to Kadence, and so did her three friends. It was truly heartwarming to witness these young women earnestly sharing the love of Jesus through both their words and actions. On the final night Kadence wanted to join us in communion. I asked if she had accepted Jesus and she said, “No, but I want to right now,” I prayed with her and when I looked up I saw beaming smiles and even a few tears from her friends. They rejoiced in the knowledge that they would share eternity with Kadence.
The impact with Kadence has been immeasurable and everlasting. You have been instrumental in providing opportunities for remarkable transformations in young lives like Kadence’s.
SARA NIELSEN, 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
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29
Aug '23
I’m bursting with pride . . .
29
Aug '23
I am bursting with pride and excitement as I share the incredible journey of our student, Paul, whose life has been forever changed by 71Five’s VoTech training program in Grants Pass. “71Five started my career!” Paul said “Thank you guys for everything. You have no idea how much the program helped me.”
When Paul first joined us, college felt like a distant dream, but with unwavering support from each of you, he found his way. Through your generosity, Paul discovered new strengths and talents he never knew he had. Now, he’s all set to begin college at Universal Technical Institute in Sacramento this September.
Your belief in the power of education and mentorship has made a profound impact on Paul’s life. Your support didn’t just open doors for him; it ignited a fire in him to succeed and thrive. As an instructor at 71Five, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude for making stories like Paul’s possible. Together, we are transforming lives, one young heart at a time.
JONATHAN MASON, 71Five VoTech Assistant Coordinator – Grants Pass
541.450.3430 | jonathan@71Five.org
“Lord God, you are my hope. I have trusted you since I was young.” Psalm 71:5 ICB
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22
Aug '23
Jesse was hit with another blow. . .
22
Aug '23
Jesse was a middle school student when I first met him. He started with 71Five back in the fifth grade at our Eagle Point center and recently graduated high school. Jesse’s life always seemed challenging with his dad leaving and years of living in a cheap motel with his mom and 3 brothers. Jesse and his family moved to Medford a few years ago and dropped off the radar. Then this past winter he showed back up at 71Five Campus in North Medford. He was attending both High School and College and Career clubs when Jesse was hit with another blow… his mom died suddenly. Jesse is grappling with his future as his oldest and younger brother face mental challenges and Jesse’s second oldest sibling is doing his best to provide for them all.
During the recent 71Five High School Camp, I encouraged Jesse to think of questions hindering his trust in God. Jesse privately wrote down two questions: “How can I possibly forgive my dad?” and “Why does God let me suffer so much?” Remarkably, without sharing those questions, Jesse’s small group discussed “Forgiving the unforgivable,” closely followed by the main speaker addressing why God allows suffering. These answers seemed tailor-made from God, leaving Jesse in awe. Shy Jesse then found courage to share with the entire camp on the last night, his story of how God spoke to him.
Lots of other kids are finding answers to tough questions through the ministries of 71Five. If you’d like to go deeper in sharing hope with young people, we need financial partners, volunteers, staff, interns, and prayer warriors. Give us a call. In the words of the One who gives me hope, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.” Thank you for building trust that leads to hope.
TIM HARDY, 71Five Campus Ministry Director – North Medford
(541) 840-0960 | tim@71Five.org
“Lord God, you are my hope. I have trusted you since I was young.” Psalm 71:5 ICB
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14
Aug '23
A transformative influence to our youth . . .
14
Aug '23
Recently, I experienced a heart-wrenching loss of one of the young men I had been working with. The devastating reality of a drug overdose highlights the importance of our mission. This young man had once volunteered to share his story with Channel 12 News about how 71Five Justice and Break the Cycle had impacted his life. He spoke with sincerity about the transformative influence of the bike program and our detention center initiatives and how he saw me as a father figure in his life as I did my best to point him to Christ.
These stories are a stark reminder of the hunger for connection that these kids carry within them. The smallest acts of kindness and support can have a profound impact on their lives. His mother has offered some of his ashes to be spread on his favorite mountain bike trails we enjoyed together. This gesture reflects the deep connection and trust she has in the work we do, which ultimately allowed him to encounter the Gospel. Even though Matthew continued to struggle with his addiction, he made a sincere confession of faith, so I have hope that he is with his Heavenly Father now.
Thank you for joining in this important work, together we are making a difference for the Kingdom.
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
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07
Aug '23
I’m not a big Facebook fan, but. . .
07
Aug '23
Personally, I’m not a big fan of Facebook and other social media sites but I maintain a presence because I never know how God might use it for His purposes. Yesterday I received this from Michelle: “Hey Matt, are you still available for check in’s?”
It’s been a decade since I last heard from Michelle. Now 26, the days she spent in juvenile detention are long gone but a relationship forged in difficult times is still important. I’m looking forward to hearing about her life and continuing to encourage her toward the Lord.
This isn’t the first message like this I’ve received through Facebook and I pray it isn’t the last. Trusting relationships should never end and ‘my kids’ from all of those years ago still hold a special place in my heart.
Trusting relationships and sharing God’s story of hope, this is the work of 71Five. Thank you for being a part of it.
MATT SWEENEY, 71Five Ministry Director
(541) 301-8552 | matt@71Five.org
“Lord God, you are my hope. I have trusted you since I was young.” Psalm 71:5 ICB
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31
Jul '23
Dealing with behavioral issues
31
Jul '23
I heard recently about a couple young men in our 71Five VoTech training program who are dealing with behavioral issues. They struggle to focus, follow instructions, and they create chaos everywhere they go. Their fathers attend the program with them because of their lack of control. It’s clear in our efforts to teach trade skills to these young men is taking its toll on everyone. The dads are worn out, our staff are worn out and they’re all wondering if anything worthwhile is being accomplished… but the boys are still coming, and the story isn’t over.
As we prayed for these boys at staff meeting, I realized… if not us, then who? These young men don’t fit in school. 71Five VoTech is really their only option to learn skills to become productive men. The incredibly patient staff and volunteer staff are the best chance these boys have. It’s in this patience and determination where our mission truly comes alive, where the real work is, where sacrifices for young people are made. But this is also where hard earned trust leads to hope.
Thank you for providing hard earned trust. It brings real hope.
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
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25
Jul '23
We can see a difference
25
Jul '23
We often hold orientation classes to invite students to join 71Five VoTech Training. One young lady was so impressed she said. “I’ll be back to take this class for sure, I love what is happening here.” Young people from all walks of life participate and recently a few from the Eagle Point High School VIP program that’s for youth that need special assistance. She was one and as she said, she came back.
She would regularly get up and take pictures of the projection screen. I thought, “What a good way to take notes.” After some time in class we learned she is nearly blind and struggles with other disabilities, but she never gave up. We’ve never seen a student work so hard, but the work paid off and she graduated with a certificate of construction and safety.
The important part of this story is that we share God’s message of hope nearly every time we meet and usually at the end during our social time. So for 12 classes over 6 weeks seeds of God’s love were planted in her heart and though she is nearly blind, her heart has been opened to see the love of Jesus and we can see a difference.
LARRY LICATO, 71Five VoTech Coordinator – Medford
(541) 890-1819 | larry@71Five.org
“Lord God, you are my hope. I have trusted you since I was young.” Psalm 71:5 ICB
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18
Jul '23
“New Kid”
18
Jul '23
New things can be difficult, especially for Savanah. Middle School is a tough time in general even if you aren’t the “new kid”, and it’s easy to find yourself feeling like an outcast, which is what Savanah has felt at other youth groups she’s been to. Savanah has autism, which makes it especially difficult for her to feel like she belongs, and she was hesitant the first time she came to 71Five Campus in Eagle Point. It was hard at first for her to find the courage to attend, but when she did, she instantly loved being there and made several new friends. Savanah finally found somewhere she could be herself, make friends, and be included in activities with all the other kids. She says, going to 71Five Campus is the highlight of my entire week!”
I’m thankful for your part in Savanah’s journey and I can’t wait to see what God continues to do in her life through 71Five.
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
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11
Jul '23
Lessons Learned
11
Jul '23
For the last 6 months, our Elementary Club teacher Miss Colette has been consistently opening the world of the Bible to the kids through song, stories, and a bit of drama. She’s taken them through Christ’s birth, ministry, death, resurrection, and the early church. Recently, she’s been asking the students questions to review what’s been covered so far. The responses are filled with so much information showing they’ve retained a lot from these lessons! Many of these kids have no church background with little to no knowledge of Christ. It’s such a blessing to be a part of the work of teaching kids the most important thing in the world – how to have a relationship with the God of the Bible, who is a father that loves them!
You make this little school about God and His love possible! We could never do this without you [Romans 10:14-15]! You are reaching the kids of our neighborhood with the vital first step of teaching the Word of Christ. Let’s also pray for these kids to have faith in what they are hearing and that their lives may be transformed forever [Romans 10:17]!
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
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Tatum’s GED Graduation
Tatum has been coming to 71Five City in Grants Pass for almost 2 years now. At the beginning of Spring, she told me she was going to be missing club for a few months. I was saddened by this, but, when she said that it was to study for her GED with a goal of graduating this summer, I was ecstatic! Tatum had been struggling for some time, as many kids have since Covid-19. She fell behind in her studies and had to attend school for an additional year after her senior year. Not only was she feeling hopeless, but she also felt defeated. The GED program gave her a new avenue to a positive outlook for her future.
By the beginning of Summer, Tatum had missed several clubs, but we stayed connected and she was able to attend many of our other activities. She helped with some volunteer work cleaning up trash at a local event and was a high school leader at our 71Five Middle School Camp. I was so delighted to receive an invitation to Tatum’s GED graduation and felt honored. As I looked upon those who attended, I was surrounded by her family members. That’s who we become when we build relationships that lead to hope in the lives of our youth. We become family… brothers and sisters in Christ. Thank you for doing your part in the 71Five Family by helping Tatum reach one of her dreams this summer.
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
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