Recent headlines depict a lonely scene for our nation, and experts believe that the loneliness issue has actually increased during COVID-19. Recognizing the importance of combating loneliness felt – as well as belonging – before and during the pandemic, Our YFC staff and volunteers consistently meet with young people and walk alongside them keeping them connected to the hope of Christ.
Dan Wolgemuth, current President and CEO of Youth For Christ USA has witnessed many YFC locations reach out to kids who are feeling the weight of loneliness during the pandemic. Dan said, “But God, in His mercy and grace, propelled our mission into the difficult places that young people were confronted with. Isolated. Distanced. Overlooked … but pursued. Our team didn’t give up. Even in the face of discouragement. Love unmasked. Generosity unleashed.”
YFC has always and will continue to provide a place for young people to share their story, from young people to adults, YFC knows and understands we all need caring people in our lives.
“Our team didn’t give up. Even in the face of discouragement. Love unmasked. Generosity unleashed.” – Dan Wolgemuth
We have maintained a front-line presence pre-lockdown, during lockdown and post lockdown, to ensure that young people in communities across the nation have a caring adult who can provide a bag of groceries, a wellness check, or even a simple encouraging text message.
In New York City, YFC ministry continues to reach teens in detention centers through creative arts and other tangible and spiritual support. Many of the youth in detention centers could be just one caring adult away from turning the corner. When Christ-centered caring adults show up and believe in students, they are providing a spark that could change the tide in a student’s life.
Likewise, in Houston, YFC has coordinated meals for the staff of detention centers so that the adults who are serving kids can feel encouraged during difficult seasons of loneliness.
Youth For Christ has chapters impacting thousands of communities across the nation that 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.