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.

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

Thank you for being a part of sharing the most important gift with the young people in your community.

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

At 71Five VoTech – Grants Pass, every project is an opportunity for transformation, and none exemplifies this better than the story of five young men and a chicken coop. These boys—Tommy, Luke, Jesse, Mason, and Caleb—arrived on the first day of class with different backgrounds, abilities, and levels of confidence. Some had never held a hammer; others carried the weight of struggles outside the classroom. They seemed unsure of themselves and each other, hesitant to connect. The challenge? Build a sturdy, functional chicken coop over 11sessions. It was more than a structure—it was a test of their ability to collaborate, learn, and grow. In the first few classes, progress was slow. Measuring lumber turned into a tangle of tape measures and math errors. Power tools were intimidating, and disagreements surfaced over simple decisions. Yet, amid the uncertainty, something powerful began to take root. With the guidance of their instructor and gentle encouragement to “get it wrong, then learn to get it right,” the boys started leaning on one another. Tommy, the natural leader, began asking quiet Caleb for his thoughts. Jesse, usually quick to joke, grew serious as he learned the importance of precision. Their first victory came when they framed the coop’s base—level and square. The cheers that followed filled the shop, signaling not just a milestone, but a breakthrough in their confidence. Luke, who had been shy at first, took the lead on assembling the walls. Mason, who struggled with patience, learned to slow down and focus on sanding each board until it was just right. Each boy found his strength and began to see the value he brought to the team. By the final session, the chicken coop stood tall, complete with a hinged door, nesting boxes, and even a coat of weatherproof paint. It wasn’t just a chicken coop—it was a monument to the journey they’d taken together. The transformation wasn’t just about the coop. Jesse admitted, “I now understand the value of hard work and focus.” Caleb, once reserved, shared, “This group has become my second family.” Luke said, “This experience taught me that I could lead.” The boys walked away not just with new skills in carpentry, but with a sense of pride, camaraderie, and a glimpse of their potential.

AARON FAUST,  71Five VoTech 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

Do you know someone whose life could be transformed by pursuing full-time vocational ministry? Mine certainly was! After seven years with 71Five, I’ve learned that God’s most important ministry is the one He has with my heart as He uses my calling to draw me closer to Him. Would you take a moment to pray and ask God to reveal someone who might be a great fit for these openings?

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

Cameron is in High School, he and his younger brother go to 71Five. Months ago, they heard finding a mentor was an option. We have been looking ever since. It’s hard to find men like you willing to form 1:1 relationships. These boys have a difficult home life. They are looking for mentors who can bring fun and activity to their lives. Cameron wants to mature and is interested in growing in the mental, physical, social, & spiritual areas of life. When I asked his younger brother “What are you most thankful for right now?” he replied, “The time I get at 71Five.” I have seen the power of 1:1 relationship as the hope of God transforms lives.

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

Here’s a saying I often repeat to my staff—

Tony is a 20-year-old young man who came to 71Five VoTech back in August. He came in hungry to learn some skills and asked many questions. However, most of his questions were toward the verse of the day we would go over after class. I’ve had the privilege to share the God’s story with Tony multiple times in different ways since August which led to inviting him to Upwards church with me in October. Tony had never been to church. He got to meet Paster Al and some other attenders who welcomed him with open arms. Both 71Five VoTech and the church have been able to answer most of Tony’s questions about Jesus. Because of your partnership with 71Five VoTech, Tony made a confession of faith to Jesus and I had the honor of baptizing him last week!

IAN NAMU,  71Five VoTech Assistant Coordinator – Medford 

808.371.0240 | ian@71Five.org

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