The needs of youth at risk are severe. One ministry that can touch their lives at a critical moment is the Chaplaincy at Juvenile Hall. Youth for Christ became the administrators of the chapel program at Stanislaus County Juvenile Hall in 1994. Our responsibility is to provide religious services for the entire population. We currently have seven local churches that provide those services.

We have trained and mobilized a team of volunteers that provide Bible Studies and one-on-one spiritual counseling to all the minors that request it. We provide mentors to follow-up the youth that have been released and desire to remain strong in the commitments that they make inside Juvenile Hall. We are committed to presenting the life-changing message of Jesus Christ and to give the necessary training in life skills that will help these youth to be successful. Our ministry in juvenile hall emphasizes* Teaching basic life and social skills * Providing opportunity for a relationship with a mature adult role model* Promoting and developing a more positive self-image* Facilitating a positive peer group experience.

In all we do, Youth Guidance Staff and volunteers teach faith in God and basic Christian values as the foundation of personal growth. Juvenile Hall chapel staff work closely with adolescents through Life Skills workshops, Bible Studies and individual counseling during their incarceration. With programs and personnel sensitive to the loneliness and hostility associated with these who are "locked up," YFC staff provide personal attention and caring friendships as they compliment the existing programs within juvenile hall. Please contact Chaplain Rick Roberts at (209) 522-9568 for more information regarding the ministry at Juvenile Hall.

Programs and Services

VORP

Pro-Social Skills
(Angry reduction therapy)

Celebrate Recovery

• Currently 3 volunteers lead a 12-step program called "Celebrate Recovery" with 30-40 youth.

Chapel Services

• Every Sunday in average attendance of 100 kids.
• 7 separate services
• 18 community churches participate
• About 50 volunteers are involved

Bible Study

• Every Monday evening in 7 units
• Average attendance of 80 minors
• 7 volunteers from various churches lead group discussions on current topics.

One-on-One Mentoring

• Average of 55 minors for 15 minutes each
• Bibles and scriptural materials are given to all minors requesting this mentoring.
• About 20 volunteers are credentialed for one-on-one's.

Hair Care Ministry

• A licensed hairstylist does 16-20 haircuts per month
• The hairstylist presents the Word to each client and listens to what is going on in their lives.

How You Can Help

Would you like to get involved? - Here's How:

Prayer Team
Join us in seeking the Lord's will for this ministry. Pray for the workers and volunteers and for the salvation of the lost youth in our community.

Ministry Team
You can work directly with incarcerated teens. We are in need of mature Christians for Bible study leaders, helpers and one-on-one mentors.

Financial Team
Do you have a heart for hurting kids, but are unable to directly minister to them at this time? With your financial gifts, you can minister through us.

Our Desire

By sharing the message of Jesus Christ, through both words and actions, we strive to bring young people whose livees have been significantly damaged, and are likely to famage the loves of others or themselves, into a relationship with God.

Special Events

• YFC hosts periodic assemblies presented by local and national Christian performing artists.
• Special training workshops are offered on how to attain a job.
• A barbeque for minors and correctional staff is hosted annually by YFC Youth Guidance staff and volunteers.
• YFC hosts annual Christmas activities.
• Special workshops are offered, providing gang awareness training.
• >Minors and parents may request visits by their own pastors if they wish. The probation department requests that YFC verifies all credentials.

History

YFC has had a respectful relationship with the Stanislaus County Probation Department for over 10 years. We provide oversight of the spiritual development program for minors at the Stanislaus County Juvenile Hall. We are also beginning to work with the Merced County Juvenile Hall to establish Youth Guidance programs and services.