Eric Holm, Executive Director: ““One of the things that makes the biggest impact on our teens is an adult leader who simply cares; someone who takes the time to learn that student’s story”
“Every week we meet teenagers in juvenile detention centers, institutions, alternative schools and high-risk neighborhoods. Not only do we introduce young people to Jesus, but we also disciple them and strive to holistically meet their needs, whether they be physical, emotional or spiritual. We partner with local schools that refer at-risk kids to us, such as teens who have behavioral problems, are struggling academically or may have things going on at home.”
Compounding these risk factors, research suggests that an unprecedented number of today’s teens are struggling with anxiety. This realization inspired YFC of Polk County to create a fresh format for meeting up outside of school.
Holm observed, “Most of these young people deal with some sort of anxiety, specifically in large-group settings. So we created neighborhood groups, which are smaller and allow for more intentional connection. We meet before or after school and provide transportation to and from these meet-ups, as that’s often a barrier to participation.”
In addition to providing a smaller setting for ministry, these meet-ups also offer teens the opportunity to enjoy a meal.
Raphael Vergara, Ministries Director, said, “Food is a part of the group that many look forward to the most. Maybe they haven’t eaten all week, or maybe they’ve felt pressured not to eat at school because of body shaming. We may have 15 boys who show up and eat like there are 50 men there. And they often ask if they can take anything home. While this is a great ministry, it also highlights how many are struggling with food insecurity.”
As with many at-risk teens, trauma is also a recurring theme.
Holm shared, “The majority of these kids are dealing with some sort of trauma, whether from their past, in the present, or even fear of what’s in the future. We realize we need to stay in our lane, so we partner with local mental health professionals within our community. We then train our staff and volunteer leaders to be aware of the signs of deeper issues. We consider, ‘Is this just a moment where we need to sit down and have a conversation? Or is this signaling a mental health crisis?’”
Considering these mental health struggles, YFC’s summer camps provide an opportunity for young people to disconnect and unplug from the stressors of everyday life.
Vergara said, “For our summer camp, we take 15 kids at a time on a wilderness camping experience. We hike for miles, spend all day on the river and sleep in tents. There’s no electricity. There are no electronics. This experience builds dependence on and trust in the leaders. It’s all about getting the opportunity to hear a young person’s story and then finding opportunities to share our story and God’s.”
Together, these initiatives form YFC’s holistic approach to ministering to every area of a student’s life.
Holm said, “We see a lot of really difficult situations. So many kids don’t have people around them who want to stop and listen and hear them. One of the things that makes the biggest impact on our teens is an adult leader who simply cares; someone who takes the time to learn that student’s story. We have the great privilege of coming alongside them and doing that. And it can make all the difference in a young person’s life.”