Youth For Christ Mentorship Program: Bringing Teens Together During COVID-19
‘Increasing Self-Esteem and Avoiding Loneliness’
SAN DIEGO, California —Youth For Christ (YFC, www.yfc.net) is not only impacting an entire generation—from juvenile offenders to teens living in under-resourced families—it’s doing so in local areas all across our country. And it is continuing its work during the challenging times of COVID-19, using novel methods such as outdoor gatherings, virtual meetups, and much more.
Amy Conrad, community engagement coordinator for YFC San Diego, works to involve teens in a three-month mentorship program by partnering with local businesses. This program is scheduled to officially kick off on January 1, 2021. Said Conrad, “The goal is for the teens to get prepared for what is next: to apply for jobs, and then be part of the workforce. The program also helps the teens learn how to identify job opportunities for their future.”
Continued Conrad, “Giving the teens job preparedness for the workforce helps them to stay out of crime related activities. It provides them a positive opportunity and increases their self-esteem.”
The COVID-19 landscape has encouraged Conrad and her colleagues to strive even harder to make these programs a success. “Getting a job for these young adults and providing them with the chance to interact with other teens is so valuable. Currently, most school districts in San Diego are 80% virtual. That means that most teens aren’t having the opportunity to socialize. Loneliness is definitely increasing for them, and consequently, so is depression. Having a job through our program helps avoid that loneliness, and quite possibly depression as well.”
Over 160 YFC chapters across the nation seek out and serve youth from all walks of life. Many teens are silently struggling through a variety of challenging issues—and now they see the living power of a loving God.
Youth For Christ staff and volunteers are encouraged by the YFC 3Story concept, which is based on the belief that kids will be reached for Christ when met at their point of need—and as workers connect their stories with Jesus’s story. The ministry efforts of Youth For Christ are changing lives, one young person at a time.
Youth For Christ’s 3Story encourages staff and volunteers to be good news while also sharing the stories of the Good News of Jesus. It involves building relationships through the ups and downs of everyday life in order to lead people to Christ. For more information, visit 3Story.org.
Nationally, Youth For Christ is telling inspiring stories through #YFCBeTheStory, an initiative to help spread the word across the nation about how YFC chapters are making a difference in their communities.
Youth For Christ has been a pillar of missional ministry since 1944, when the Rev. Billy Graham served as YFC’s first full-time staff member. Since then, Youth For Christ has continued to be both a rural and urban ministry on mission, and it is always about the message of Jesus. YFC reaches young people everywhere, working together with the local church and other like-minded partners to raise up lifelong followers of Jesus who lead by their godliness in lifestyle, devotion to the Word of God and prayer, passion for sharing the love of Christ, and commitment to social involvement. Youth For Christ operates in over 100 nations and has more than 160 chapters that impact communities across America.
Visit the Youth For Christ media page here. Learn more about Youth For Christ at its website, www.yfc.net, Facebook and Instagram pages, Twitter feed @yfcusa or on Vimeo.
