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“Can we talk about hard stuff?”

Posted on Mar 21, 2025 by Sara Vassallo | Life Change Story | 0

One evening, as club night wrapped up at 71Five Campus – Central Point, a few of us including myself, another leader, and a couple of students wandered back inside to grab some water and begin cleaning up. We sat for a while, chatting about the usual middle school topics—school, friends, and home life. That’s when Amanda asked, “Can we talk about hard stuff?” For the next half hour, Amanda opened up about the struggles she’s been carrying: challenges at school, dealing with bullying, adjusting to yet another foster home, and trying to process traumas that many her age just don’t understand. Amanda didn’t need quick fixes or easy answers—she needed someone to be present and listen. In a tangible way, to show her the love of Jesus. Because of 71Five, she had a place where she felt safe enough to ask, “Can we talk about hard stuff?”

Every game, every meal, and every conversation is an opportunity to be the hands and feet of Jesus to students who are searching for hope. Your partnership is the reason kids like Amanda get to hear the truth that God sees them, loves them, and walks with them through every hard moment. Thank you for helping create a space where kids can build trusting relationships that remind them that they don’t have to face the hard stuff all alone.

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

Mar '25

Time & Effort

Posted on Mar 17, 2025 by Aaron Faust | Life Change Story | 0

Mar '25

In the Wednesday morning shop class at 71Five VoTech – Grants Pass, six students, five boys and one girl began a simple yet profound journey. Their task? Build a wooden box. The challenge? Use only hand tools. At first, the idea of crafting something without power tools seemed slow, even frustrating. But `week by week, something changed. They discovered the rhythm of the work, the rasp of the saw, the steady tap of the chisel, the satisfying slice of the plane. The hand plane became their favorite. At first, they struggle digging too deep, shaving unevenly. But as they practiced, they found joy in the whisper-thin curls of wood that fell away, the smooth surfaces left behind, the way the tool seemed to hum in their hands when used just right. The box itself was never perfect. Each week, a new lesson emerged—how to square a corner, how to make joints fit snugly, how to sand by hand with patience. Each week, the box grew closer to completion but more than that, so did they. Through this project, they learned not just woodworking but perseverance. They encouraged each other when a saw cut strayed off course. It wasn’t about finishing the box quickly, it was about learning, growing, and taking pride in their craft. Somewhere between the first rough-cut boards and the final smoothing of the wood, something deeper took shape. Confidence. Teamwork. The realization that good things take time and effort.

Their box was more than just a project. It was proof of their journey—of lessons learned, patience tested, and skills honed. A wooden reminder that, like the box itself, they were shaping themselves into something strong, steady, and ready for whatever came next. Thank you for helping in that journey.

AARON FAUST, 71Five VoTech Assistant 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

Mar '25

The Spirit Realm . . .

Posted on Mar 7, 2025 by Shane Skirvin | Life Change Story | 0

Mar '25

“Shane, do you believe in ghosts?” I was startled by the question this young lady was asking me, for one, she had previously never spoken up during our lesson time, and two, it was not directly connected to the lesson that I was sharing. Despite that, it ended up kicking off a 45 minute long intense discussion among the Middle Schoolers about the spirit world and encounters they have had! I was grateful that this young lady dared to ask such a question and then to share some supernatural experiences she had had. I was shocked to see how important and relevant this discussion was for this age group! And, I found it was a wide open-door to speak about the supernatural truths that are in the Bible to Gen Z/Alpha! I believe God is using the attraction to the spirit realm as a gateway to reach these kids for Christ!

Right now there’s a huge opening to speak to young people about spiritual truths. According to a CDC report, 42% of Gen Z struggle with persistent hopelessness, nearly 30% describe themselves as having poor mental health, and 22% have considered suicide. They are searching and are spiritually hungry. The previous generations have told them that there is nothing beyond this world; but they know deep down inside this is a lie. Many of them are looking for God in all the wrong places. The online community known as #WitchTok, has 45 billion views on TikTok! More people in Generation Z are into spiritualism than they are any kind of organized religion. But the good news is that they are hungry for something more than this world, a hunger that God himself has placed inside them that will not be denied! (Ecclesiastes 3:11)

You and I have an unparalleled opportunity right now, to speak into this generation with the truth of God’s hope for them! Thank you so much for joining us in the fight as we surge through this open-door to reach the youth before the enemy does! Now is the time for us to act, come join us if you’re not already in this fight with volunteering your time, financial support and persistent prayer! As Jesus says, the harvest is ripe (Matthew 9:37-38)!

SHANE SKIRVIN, 71Five Campus Coordinator – North Medford

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

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

Feb '25

Overdosed Again

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

Feb '25

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