Life Change Stories

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Overdosed Again

Posted on Feb 21, 2025 by Beau Jeska | Life Change Story | 0

I met him when he was just 13, a kid caught in the chaos of addiction and bad decisions. Over the years his life was up-and-down, he wrecked cars, spent time in jail, and overdosed more than once—but he never stopped reaching out. No matter how deep he fell, he always knew someone cared. We’d grab lunch, pray, and talk about how Jesus was the solution to his current situation. I walked him to the Lord in detention almost 9-years ago, and though he struggled to live it out, I knew he loved Jesus.

Recently, he overdosed again. I prayed for a miracle, but God had other plans for him. My heart is heavy. Yet, this is why we do what we do at 71Five Ministries—because kids like him need someone who won’t give up. Because of you, they hear about the hope of Christ. Please, pray for those still in the fight. They need us now more than ever.

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

Feb '25

Step In

Posted on Feb 19, 2025 by Wendy Collins | Life Change Story | 0

Feb '25

Maybe you know what it’s like growing up with relational poverty… wanting safe, close, caring, supportive relationships. You aren’t alone in your desire for these types of connections. We currently have 7 young people looking for mentorship (but don’t let that word scare you). Blake is an 8-year-old boy living in Grants Pass. He’s full of enthusiasm, loves sports, likes to rap & beatbox, and hopes to become an Oregon Duck. But something is missing, Blake’s dad is not a part of their lives. Blake spends most of his days with his mom, bored, and wanting someone to hang out with.

That’s where you come in. You can be the one to make these connections with Blake. With as little as 4 flexible self-scheduled hrs./month you would be amazed at the life change that happens. Your presence will give Blake hope of opportunities he wouldn’t otherwise enjoy. Will you step in and become a mentor today?

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

Feb '25

Wanting Love

Posted on Feb 13, 2025 by Bud Amundsen | Life Change Story | 0

Feb '25

A young girl recently shared her story with one of our staff. She talked through stories of horrific abuse and trauma when she lived with her drug-addicted mom. She also went on to share about the severe abuse she experienced in her foster home, the place that was supposed to be safe. When asked if she wanted prayer, she said: “Pray that some day I will have a family that will not hurt me or call me names. I just want love.”

In case you forgot what you are accomplishing in the lives of young people. I hope this story reminds you of the hurt and hopelessness so many of our young people feel… And the hope that comes through a trusted adult friend to listen, to walk along side, and show this young girl the love of Jesus. You’ve brought hope and healing to another lost and hurting young person.

Thank you!!

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

Feb '25

Cautious To Connected

Posted on Feb 5, 2025 by Larry Licato | Life Change Story | 0

Feb '25

Here at 71Five VoTech, each class is made up of young people from every walk in life. From “A” students to young people with a much more difficult past. Recently in our latest class, one young man, over 6 foot tall, bearded and very strong came in and sat in the back. He never raised his eyes or spoke. In an effort to connect with him I would ask questions during class… With little result I may add! Then one day I connected with him in the hall. I asked him about his day ahead and he said, “Well, I have to meet with my parole officer due to a bad choice I made not too long ago.” I told him that I would be willing to talk to her and give her a favorable report. Since then, he has quietly chatted with me and even called me on the phone saying, ”Larry, I am sorry for missing class… What can I do to make it up?” He even answered a question recently, out loud, in class. I asked the class, “What would be a low priority in your life?” He spoke up and said. “Doing my laundry!” I fully agreed and we laughed. To go from sullen, quiet and cautious to connected is what we call a life change. As he continues to hear how special he is and how much God loves him, regardless of his past choices, I expect his life will continue to change.

Friends, this is how you are making a difference in the lives of young people. Thank you for your love, prayers and support.

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

Jan '25

Supporting a Cause . . .

Posted on Jan 30, 2025 by Peter Kuhl | Life Change Story | 0

Jan '25

I’m sure we all know kids who can say things that are slightly out of pocket. Odds are you just thought of one right now. Preston, a 13-year-old middle school student at 71Five Campus in Eagle Point, is just that kid, whose candidness can catch me off guard at times. One evening Preston’s sister handed me a letter that Preston had written. My initial response was that of slight hesitation, but as I started to read, I realized how much of an impact I and the rest of our volunteer staff have had in his life. He said, “I can feel the love of Jesus when I’m with them.”

Supporting 71Five is more than supporting a program… It’s supporting a cause that makes a priceless impact in the lives of young people. Thank you for supporting the youth in Eagle Point.

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

Jan '25

The Learning Process!

Posted on Jan 27, 2025 by Isaiah Abney | Life Change Story | 0

Jan '25

Last year was my first couple of months being the 71Five City Coordinator. It was also the year I learned that even though things don’t always go as planned, it doesn’t mean that its all bad. There were times I couldn’t find the right game to play, the lesson didn’t go as planned, and the food didn’t turn our just right! To really drive this lesson home, I had my van breakdown on the way back from the California Redwoods. Two students (on their very first 71Five trip) came up to me and told me with much joy that they in fact “…had such a great time!” When we couldn’t find the game… Some had a good laugh! When a lesson didn’t go as planned it still touched a students heart! And, when the food was served a little cold… Some kids still had a good meal. Last year taught me that it’s not about everything going right, but to rely on God… everything is going according to His will.

Thank you for contributing to learning the process at 71Five… for staff and students!

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

Jan '25

Overwhelmed by the Experience!

Posted on Jan 20, 2025 by Chris Willis | Life Change Story | 0

Jan '25

I know the New Year is in full swing, but I want to share one last story from 2024 that deeply impacted me. This past Christmas, I hosted a party for young men at the OYA youth correctional facility in Grants Pass. Thanks to an overwhelming response to a social media ask, we gathered far more gifts than expected. Our 71Five City Club students helped wrap about 60 presents, and as they worked, their comments struck me: “I couldn’t imagine not being with my family for Christmas!” and “Unwrapping gifts is my favorite thing.” It opened their eyes to those who miss out on traditions they take for granted. That night, my wife and I brought food, gifts, and a plan for a meaningful celebration. We shared a meal, played trivia, and delivered a message of hope in Jesus. When it was time to open presents, I told the young men how the community—people who didn’t even know them—had come together to show they cared. The shock on their faces was unforgettable. One young man said, “I haven’t had a Christmas like this in three years.” As we left, they kept thanking us, and when my wife and I got to the car, she broke down in tears, overwhelmed by the experience. It showed me how much of a difference we can make when we step into hard places and show up with love and hope.

This moment reminded me why we do what we do at 71Five. Thank you for being part of something bigger. My hope is that this inspires you to get involved and help reach these young people in our communities.

CHRIS WILLIS, 71Five City – Grants Pass Coordinator

(541) 941-3488 | chris@71Five.org

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

Jan '25

“I’m proud of you.”

Posted on Jan 10, 2025 by Breanna Stoutenburgh | Life Change Story | 0

Jan '25

Last week at 71Five Parents we were reading Isaiah 43:4 where God says to his people: “You are precious and honored in my sight and I love you.” I asked the teen parents: “Has anyone ever told you that they were “proud of you?” Not one in the group had ever heard the words: “I am proud of you.” Would you agree that kids need to be seen for who they are, that they should be loved and honored? Most teen parents lacked a caring adult to invest time, guidance, protection or support when they needed it. Teen parents may be walking into parenthood themselves with a deficit of their basic needs met.

Would you like to encourage teen parents? As believers we are called to do more than bible-study. Are you ready to act out your faith? Is God calling you to help meet the greatest need that the youth in our community have? Everyone needs Hope. Become a volunteer mentor at 71Five.org

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

Jan '25

“To Jesus My Father In Heaven,”

Posted on Jan 2, 2025 by Will Arias | Life Change Story | 0

Jan '25

December 2024 was such a blessing… It was a packed youth house on our birthday party for Jesus with 31 young people and many asking to pray before we ate. This has become more common in recent days. From lots of kiddos and new volunteers arriving to some amazing conversation with parents who are asking more questions about Jesus. Amid the busyness and laughter, tears and hugs, I found this letter:

“To Jesus my Father in Heaven, I have loved you for two years now. Even though I have never seen you, you mean so much to me. I know I have…” – Lexi

This brought me to tears with a clear understanding of why I do the work I do here at 71Five. It is for this young lady who is not only in love with Jesus but pursuing an intimate relationship with Him. She has now embarked on a journey through the Bible in a year. Were you as curious as I was to what Lexi wrote next? No matter what, how she began her letter to Jesus was so pure. It is because of you that makes it possible to share the Gospel. Thank you for your support of 71Five.

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

Dec '24

Inspiring Talent . . .

Posted on Dec 30, 2024 by Troy Ellis | Life Change Story | 0

Dec '24

Someone was needed to take the stage and share their story in a personal and creative way for our Fall Fun Day at Station 71Five … So, I made a big ask of Dalton. This was a pivotal moment for him, filled with courage, hard work, and the all-too-familiar feeling we all get when put on the spot. Dalton expressed his feelings through a song. After much prayer and preparation, he stood before the crowd with his beats, sharing not only his music but also his heart. As he storied through his journey and faith, the audience was moved by his vulnerability and growing confidence. Dalton’s commitment to sharing through his talents was inspiring, and it reminded everyone present of the transformative power of faith and support God brings to His children.

As Philippians 4:13 says, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Dalton’s story is a testament to the strength we find in Christ and the encouragement of life-giving community provided at 71Five. Through your prayers, financial contributions, and volunteer work, you help empower young people like Dalton to grow in faith and confidence. Thank You!

TROY ELLIS, 71Five City Coordinator – West Medford

541.538.0207 | troy@71Five.org

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