Our Ministry
Mid-Valley Youth For Christ’s goal is to build authentic, Christ-sharing relationships with incarcerated/previously incarcerated youth in Oregon’s Linn, Benton, Marion, and Polk Counties.
Our Locations
We partner with these local facilities to accomplish our mission to reach youth where they are at.
Our primary ministry sites are located in the cities of Albany, Salem, and Woodburn and the programs we offer depend upon the facility type. Because County Detention facilities tend to have shorter stays and greater turnover, ministry programs tend to be low key and geared toward friendship-building. But if a youth is placed in a long-term State facility (e.g Oak Creek Youth Correctional Facility in Albany/girls, or MacLaren Youth Correctional Facility in Woodburn/boys), ministry efforts can deepen into mentoring or spiritual shepherding.
Our Story
Mid-Valley Youth For Christ is located in the heart of Oregon’s juvenile justice system, with both County Juvenile Detention Centers and Oregon Youth Authority facilities within easy driving distance. MvYFC staff and volunteers build friendships with incarcerated youth in Linn, Benton, Marion, and Polk Counties at what is sometimes the most traumatic and terrifying moment of their lives. Youth who enter the juvenile justice system may need correction and accountability for their choices, but they certainly also need to be seen, heard, and cared for. MvYFC staff and volunteers are privileged to love the “least of these” that Christ talks about in Matthew 25.
Multiple times per week, dedicated volunteers and staff meet with incarcerated youth in groups and one-on-ones at local ministry sites. Sometimes they play games or engage in conversation; other times they study the Bible and pray. Our goal is to introduce these youth to the only one who can provide them with the peace and stability they crave.
WANT TO JOIN US IN THE MINISTRY OF REACHING INCARCERATED YOUTH IN THIS AREA?
There are many ways you can get involved; click the button below for more information or call (503) 559-1005.
