Brenda again…
I LOVE scriptures that emphasize Christ’s care (Lamentations 3 – his compassions are new every morning), safety (Psalm 31 – he is a refuge and deliverer), and provision (Psalm 23 – he is the shepherd who provides for all of my wants). These passages are particularly meaningful when the “new” is difficult. During those moments, we have the miraculous ability to seek out and depend upon Christ’s care, safety, and provision. Our hearts are breaking for those displaced in SoCal, and also, as Priscilla’s family now grapples with the newness that is her absence; may our prayers for Christ’s compassion, safety, and provision be poured out over all of them.
One of the meaningful things about Priscilla is that she was a youth that Jen was able to see successfully transition out of the juvenile system. Many of the youth we interact with get released but then return because of continued noncompliance or because they engage in new violations. So getting behind a youth’s ability to transition and STAY out is super important to us. And with that in mind, this month we want to highlight one of our ministry sites that you may be less familiar with…the Jackie Winters Transition Program (JWTP) in Albany. This special program is adjacent to the Oak Creek Youth Correctional Facility and its primary function is to prepare young women to integrate back into their communities after they succeed at Oak Creek.
We recently met with Jaclyn Stover, who is one of the program’s administrators, and we are excited about the doors that are being opened to us in this facility. Jacyln described JWTP as having the primary goal of providing young people (primarily females) with the “…tools, mentorship, and opportunities they need to thrive and succeed…” through “…educational, recreational, and vocational programs that build confidence, skills, and a sense of purpose.” Deepening our partnership with JWTP is something that we are excited to do and we look forward to sharing lots of stories with you along the way. In the meantime, however, there is an immediate need area that may be of interest.
In addition to hosting the Christmas party in December, we already have a plan to return and host a Bunco night on February 24th. These fun nights are important because they create an open door for relationship building – after the Christmas party, three youth requested follow up visits with Jen! It’s during these one-on-ones that Jen has the opportunity to ask about their spiritual hopes – and these conversations are the opportunities we are really looking for!
In addition to our going into JWTP to host fun activities, because youth at JWTP are being equipped to transition back into the community, they can also earn the privilege of participating in special field trips – so we began working with Jaclyn to host a field trip for them in May! We are very excited about this and know that many of you appreciate a giving opportunity that is specific and targeted. So here are two: 1) youth transitioning from Oak Creek to JWTP make the move without their own personal belongings – so JWTP staff can take youth shopping for “welcome bag” items such as personal hygiene products, journals, pens, coffee cups, etc. And 2) hosting activities such as Bunco or an off-site field trip will come with related costs for food, prizes, and craft supplies. If either of those needs feel particularly relevant, in addition to your regular giving commitment, you can click the button below and give online. Just note “JWTP” in the comments section. Or if you would like to mail a check, please write “JWTP” in the memo line and mail to Mid-Valley YFC, P.O. Box 2161, Salem OR 97308.
