Eventually my parents divorced and this was really hard for me. One day at school I was very upset and a classmate told me about Youth Venture. The Santee center is close to the school so I decided to go. When I walked in I knew the place was different. The staff was super nice to me and there were all kinds of fun activities. Things I never could do at home. I made new friends and I wanted to hang out at the center rather than be at home.

 John Shippam, who was the center’s director at the time became my mentor. We went through the YV Mentor lessons every week. I gave my life to the Lord and things got better. Although my parents still fought, I had another place to go where people were not drunk and didn’t fight.

 After some time I became a Junior Staffer, a student leader who helps at the center. This gave me even more reason to be at Youth Venture with the people I loved and I really wanted to help others who had similar struggles to mine. I’d come a long way from the bully I once was.

 Jesus Christ used Youth Venture to change my life in amazing ways. Now, I’m in tenth grade and I help with the Christian Club at West Hills High School. I lead worship for a junior high and high school group. I plan on going to college and continue in ministry after I graduate.

Youth Venture is unlike any other youth program I have ever seen in the lasting impact it makes on at risk youth. Youth Venture is often the only stability and sometimes the only love many of these young people ever know. Sometimes we provide the only meal they have all day. Thank you for your love and generosity which makes it all possible.

It hasn’t always been easy but the relationships we’ve developed through the years are priceless. We have been cussed at, spit on, flipped off and threatened. Remarkably those same kids have become dear to us and we now share a deeper friendship. The teens at YV are in desperate need of adults who will listen to them, respect them, guide them, and love them. The lessons we do with the kids really make the kids (and us) think about real life situations. The lessons cover such things as having a relationship with a God who truly loves us, why character is so important, how to deal with the peer pressure to smoke, do drugs, drink alcohol, and have sex, and many more great lessons.

We believe if we can influence or redirect the path of even just one kid, then it has all been worth it.  The reality is we are influencing many young people with the help of the other staff members. God has given us an abundance of love for these lost teens to love, nurture, and care for them like they were our own. These teens are the future and they are reaching out for help. Everyday life can pose challenges for them. Youth Venture provides a safe haven for teenagers and gives them every opportunity to express how they feel. It’s a place where they can learn that the Bible gives important advice on how to stay strong and live out your faith.

Many kids cannot afford to pay for camps and other activities.  Because of the generous giving of our supporters these kids are able to take part in these valuable events. We look forward to another great year ahead. Thank you so much for your support. We couldn’t do this without you.

As small business owners we have struggled over the past few years due to the economy, and last year was probably our worst year yet. It was then that Lillian and I decided to give away a percentage of the gross income of Southern Can Telecom, Inc. Sales went up and we had some of the best months that we’ve had in the past 3 years. Then God put in my heart to double that percentage and sales have continued through the months which are normally the slowest months of the year. These are now the best months that we have had in over 3 years!

These young people are our future leaders and so it is to our benefit to give them an opportunity to become productive, God-fearing me and women in our society. Many kids that are part of Youth Venture come from some pretty rough backgrounds where they are left on their own much of the time; they don’t get the attention, guidance or love that every child needs. Youth Venture gives them direction. hope and love…are raising up men and women who truly love the Lord and are making a difference in God’s Kingdom.”

-Skip & Lil Keifer

In seventh grade, a good friend who is still my best friend introduced me to Youth Venture. My first day there I met some awesome people who showed me love that I didn’t have and that I thought I didn’t deserve. I started doing Youth Venture lessons and LOVED them!! I couldn’t stop. I gave my life to Jesus on my third lesson with a mentor named Kevin Miller.

From that point on I was completely changed. I started going to church regularly and began getting involved. At first I went by myself, but eventually I tricked my dad and my brother into going and they were soon both saved. I invited my mom to the Strength Team Crusade and she gave her life to Christ in the altar call!! Just a short time later my mom passed away due to alcohol. I thank God that by His grace she gave her life to Christ and is now in heaven with Him.

Now I am a senior at Foothills High School, I lead a high school small group Bible study, I am a helper for a junior high group, I help with kid’s church, and I lead worship several times a week. All of this was because of Youth Venture. The influence of Youth Venture has reached beyond me into the lives of my brothers, my dad, and my mom.

If it were not for Youth Venture I would not be where I am today; I would not have the influences and friends I have in my life today.”

If you have any questions, please contact Melody Shupe at 619.749.1667

If you have any questions, please contact Melody Shupe at 619.749.1667

If you have any questions, please contact Melody Shupe at 619.749.1667