Campus Life ~ YFC/Fresh Start ~ The UNION ~ Teen Parents Page 4 Teen Parents (Laura Riemersma) Laura is moved by the pregnant teenager. The Teen Parents pro- gram began last year with a mission to support, encourage, and equip expectant and parenting teens with the life, relationship, and parenting skills they need. Our goal is for them and their children to become healthy emotionally, mentally, physically, and spiritually and to become successful and responsible adults. Highlights were: 2 parents obtained high school diplomas 3 students enrolled in local colleges 3 students moved into their own apartments 2 students earned their drivers licenses and obtained vehicles 4 students became employed Each Parent receives a “Mommy Manual”, filled with parenting advice, goals, and community resources. Practical help is offered through cooking classes. Life skills and parenting tips are taught weekly meetings. Please pray for our next goal; to offer safe and dependable childcare for parents in school or at work, which is especially difficult for those in dysfunctional relationships. The UNION Youth Center — Waupun (Kim Venhuizen) We are excited to recently welcome Kim Venhuizen as Operations Director for the Union. Kim volunteered several years and has a great love for students. Programs and events draw students, enabling staff and committed volunteers to build relationships. As kids enter the doors, incredible conversations convey the love of Christ. In addition to the Campus Life meetings, the Union is a busy place, offering: Movies ~ Skating in our indoor skate park Basketball, volleyball, and dodgeball in our Gym Area Youth Group Super-Clubs Monthly Middle School dances – averaging 250 students Weekly High School Drop in Night Rentals to dance classes and area basketball teams We dream about further improvements, including: A coffee shop ~ Larger gaming area ~ Roof repairs ~ Developing the lower level YFC Ministry Center — Fond du Lac Affectionately called “303”, the Ministry Center houses administrative offices and a place for kids to talk, eat, study or just be . Recently remodeled, it sports a trendy open area containing games and activ- ity areas. The basement is cozier, with couches, a kitchen and big screen TV. Closets and freezers are stocked with Popcorn, Pizza and Jones Soda to of- fer hospitality for Campus Life, Fresh Start, and Teen Parents meetings, as well as the Saturday Night Drop-In. Other groups use the building for bible studies, Project Linus, and an occasional graduation or birthday party. Hundreds of hours of volunteer craftsmen, artists and laborers have made the facility what it is. ...for kids victim to sexual choices ...to provide a special “place” We are so grateful for such great places to carry out ministry to kids. Our Staff Ron Riemersma Executive Director Scott Ritzema Waupun and Laconia Ministry Director Jerry Wallendal YFC/Fresh Start Ministry Director Hans Gochenaur Beaver Dam Campus Life Director Laura Riemersma Teen Parents Ministry Director Steve Daniels Campus Life—FdL Ministry Director Nichole Oehmcke Waupun Middle School Campus Life Kim Venhuizen The UNION Operations Director Karen Den Hartog Administrative Assistant Luanne Romuald Support Staff Dan Springborn Maintenance Campus Life ~ YFC/Fresh Start ~ The UNION ~ Teen Parents Fond du lac area Fond du lac area Fond du lac area Fond du lac area YOUTH for CHRIST YOUTH for CHRIST YOUTH for CHRIST YOUTH for CHRIST From the Director… Ron Riemersma Our staff has a genuine passion to reach students with the love and hope of the gospel. Our adult volunteers, Board of Directors, and committee members share the same concern for young people and make our ministries possible. Did you know? Suicide kills our kids Suicide is the third leading killer of kids ages 15-24 1 of 5 high school students seriously considered killing themselves Casual sex mangles our kids 3 of 10 teenage girls become pregnant before 20 years of age 8 of10 teen pregnancies are single moms Substance abuse ravages our kids 3 of 4 students have consumed significant alcohol while in high school 1 of 2 students have tried an illicit drug while in high school Violence destroys our kids 3 of 10 students, grade sixth thru tenth, were involved in bullying 1 of 6 high school students reported carrying a weapon These numbers paint a picture — —Not just a snapshot of teen culture; but a reality being lived out right in front of us. … It’s not the numbers that break our heart; it’s that a student we know and love had to be talked out of suicide last night. It’s the despair we heard from a student who told us “I’m pregnant” — for the third time. We care about kids — kids we meet at: ♦ 2 Youth Centers (FDL and Waupun) ♦ Campus Life Clubs for 6 different schools ♦ 2 Jails (FDL and West Bend) ♦ Teen Parents Club and After Care Groups ♦ Countless Conversations Did you know? YFC is here...