Brooklyn and Jay* know what it’s like to go without. To struggle with feeling different and being bullied. Their family has faced financial hardships that have made it hard to meet the children’s needs. And Jay’s learning disability has caused challenges for him at school and as he interacts with other kids.
But Brooklyn and Jay also have two parents who grew up coming to Youth Haven and know it’s a safe and fun place for kids like them! Their mom wrote to us, “Youth Haven is a great place. They teach children how to treat each other with love and kindness. My husband and I both grew up spending weekends and weekdays at Youth Haven. We hope that this will help our kids make real friends and learn more about Christ.”
We first received their request for help in 2020, when our on-campus programs had to be temporarily paused because of COVID-19 lockdowns. But we did not pause our ministry, we just found new ways to do it! We launched a virtual camp that summer, and Brooklyn and Jay participated. We mailed out care packages and started sending them Bible stories and activities in the mail. As soon as we were able to begin on-site programs again, they started coming for weekends and during summer camp. They have been able to form friendships with other kids and our staff, and we continue to receive mail back from them regularly. We are grateful we can help meet their needs and be part of their lives!
What a blessing to know Youth Haven has made a difference in the lives of multiple generations! It is only through the support of friends like you that we can be this resource for struggling families and children. We offer our programs to them free of charge, and we don’t receive state or federal funding.
Your prayers, financial support, and volunteer hours are so important to our ministry. Thank you!
Your Mission Partner,
Lars Carlson
President & CEO
*Names changed for confidentiality