Lisa

I have been living at the Launch Pad for two years now. I am both sad and excited, because I am stepping out to my next phase of life.

I will be taking all I’ve learned at the Launch Pad and living on my own…I cannot name how many things Teen Leadership Foundation has done for me. They have helped me in getting my license, finishing school, set and order my priorities, and they have helped me reach my goals. They have encouraged me and my roommates in showing us how to respect those we live with. It goes a long way to think of relationships to create warmth in a home setting! Something I’ve never experienced before.

I now know God loves me and because of His work through Teen Leadership Foundation, I now carry that with me to my next season of life.

My mentor has been a HUGE help to me in these goals. She simply started off by driving me to my appointments. She then became so much more to me. I know she really cares for me by listening and knowing me. I also have a budget coach. She truly cares about me and has helped so much-we talk about so much more than money. Her advice has impacted my life forever. Another mentor stepping in to help me get over my anxieties about driving and eventually get my license-something I never thought possible.

My mentor has been a HUGE help to me in these goals. She simply started off by driving me to my appointments. She then became so much more to me. I know she really cares for me by taking time to listen to me and know me.

It has been a deep and lifelong blessing to be a part of Teen Leadership Foundation and living at The Launch Pad. I cannot wait to grow further and use the skills I have learned. I now know God loves me and because of His work through Teen Leadership Foundation, I now carry that with me to my next season of life.

See how you can play a part in the change happening at the Launch Pad by clicking here. 

One of the biggest blessings in my life has become mentoring my youth at TLF. My heart cries joyful tears in getting to know such a special person. I have been mentoring her for over three years now, and she has added a lot of fun and joy in my life. I could have never asked for or imagined what this journey would hold, and it far exceeded my expectations.

I have seen my mentee grow in self-confidence and knowing who she is as God made her.

I didn’t expect to grow as much as I have. The biggest change through this relationship has been my capacity to love. This is not about changing someone, but meeting them where they are at. I entered into this relationship thinking I was coming in as an agent of change-that I was going to teach her, rescue her, show her “the way.”

Instead, I have learned to be a true agent of change, it’s simply about loving and being there for my mentee. I say “simple” because it is doing the obvious things that may not seem like huge impactors, but they are-like listening, remembering what she’s shared and asking good questions. It doesn’t take a lot.

I entered into this relationship thinking I was coming in as an agent of change-that I was going to teach her, rescue her, show her “the way.” Instead, I have learned to be a true agent of change, it’s simply about loving and being there for my mentee.

We do all kinds of things together: bowling, hiking, watching movies, playing Monopoly, eating out and talking. We enjoy outdoor concerts with picnics and attending plays. We have attended several independent living workshops together and go to church every Sunday together.

Our latest favorite thing to do is to go walking and talking at the beach. We also work on a lot of practical life goals. She has become a part of my family. She’s included in family dinners, we pray for her, she spends Holidays with us. Our family feels honored to have her.

Children in foster care have a million people telling them what to do-they go years without a voice as to who they live with, even what they wish to wear or when they would like to visit a friend-small freedoms we take advantage of when we are young are often taken from these kids, even though they have done nothing wrong. What they truly need is not someone telling them what to do, but someone who is on their side. This looks like listening, caring, advocating, and having fun with them. Sometimes I find I am even advocating for my mentee against herself. I have learned so much about the practicalities of love through her and the heart God has given me for her.

Children in foster care have a million people telling them what to do-they go years without a voice as to who they live with, even what they wish to wear or when they would like to visit a friend-small freedoms we take advantage of when we are young are often taken from these kids, even though they have done nothing wrong. What they truly need is not someone telling them what to do, but someone who is on their side.

The biggest revelation I have had is seeing how God cares about kids who don’t have parents involved in their lives. God continually amazes me to experience His provision every time I want to do something for my mentee and her sister. I have been changed and impacted by how God wants to bless these youth. Most of all, I see the need for how He is looking for willing vessels who will partner with Him. I cannot put enough words to how moved my heart is in experiencing the growth of my mentee and privilege of our relationship.

**This is just one of many stories showing the fruit of our mentor program. Check out how you can get involved, or support our ongoing mentorship program, here. 

It was my first time ever going to any sort of camp. I was nervous, unsure-I actually tried to cancel, but it was too late. I go through with it. 

And I CAN’T WAIT till next year! I wish I had come sooner, though, to be honest, I didn’t feel that way before I left.

Friday morning I got dropped off at the church, this is where the bus picked us up. I felt really shy because I didn’t know anyone. But, then I got really excited because all the other kids were laughing and telling me about all the fun things there are to do at camp-they had been before. Their stories were true; camp did not disappoint!

I had so many favorite parts about camp, I can’t just pick out one. We went swimming, the ropes course, zip-line, the big swing, the lake, paddle boarding and blob! Even the food was awesome! I loved the s’more campfire! The best part was hanging out with friends and paying around on the field.

I felt really shy because I didn’t know anyone. But, then I got really excited because all the other kids were laughing and telling me about all the fun things there are to do at camp-they had been before. Their stories were true; camp did not disappoint!

The theme this year at camp was “never give up” and I felt like I really took away a lot from it. I struggle a lot in life, but God has always been there for me-camp reminded me of that. It is hard because I do give up sometimes, but camp gave me a lot of encouragement to try harder and keep going.

I struggle a lot in life, but God has always been there for me…

I can’t wait for next year; I want every foster youth to experience what I got the experience.

There are lots of stories like these: lives changed through our annual summer camp, mentorships, and the truth of God’s love on display. To partner with TLF’s efforts to keep sending youth to camp to experience this once in a life time event, click here. 

I came to the US as a refugee when I was 12 years old. Needless to say, life in America is very different from the Congo.

Not only was this a culture shock to me, but my first placement in the States was in Las Vegas…Bright. Loud. Different…The only thing I knew to do was survive.

I began learning English and went to a continuation school in Vegas.

By the time I was 15, I moved to California. This was when the fighting with my mom became physical. I was placed into a foster home by the time I was 16, and quickly after, I found out that I was pregnant.

Disagreement began with my foster family and I moved in with a friend. It felt safer.

I turned 17 and became a mother.

This is when my social worker told me about Teen Leadership Foundation.

I moved into the Launch Pad and started the program there. I cannot express the gratitude I feel in my heart for this opportunity. For the first time in a long time I feel like trust is a possibility. Not only that, but I have hope for the future of my daughter. I started a beauty school program, and have the support and guidance to graduate, something I never thought was a possibility. A few years ago, it simply wasn’t.

Thank you for the support and opportunity to develop the skills I need to open my daughter’s future and my own.

There are many stories like this, both heartbreaking and full of hope, happening at Teen Leadership Foundation. Your support and efforts through both time and financial contribution have created opportunities for stories like these to have a hopeful ending. For more information on giving, and learning how you can invest in a youth’s future, click here. 

I learned about TLF’s Teen Leadership Camp from other past counselors at my church. I was a little apprehensive at first because I’m not a very outdoorsy/athletic person but I wanted to step outside my comfort zone and not let fear stop me from getting more involved. I really cried out to God for his guidance and help in stepping out of my everyday, and He definitely answered my prayers! While at camp I was paired with Jorgina**, one of the kindest girls I know. I was really impressed with Jorgina because not only was she kind but very open and honest with me from the start, which is not common. We had a wonderful experience at camp – meeting new people, taking part in team building exercises, high ropes and zip lining. The theme was Never Give Up, with an emphasis on the truth that God never gives up on us and loves us no matter what. The messages and worship during Chapel time were uplifting and in just a matter of one day, the campers were so much more open to hear God’s word and sing along with the worship band. Camp gave all the youth time to get away from their everyday, which can be stressful and not like their peers’, and allowed them to just be kids and have fun, laugh, play and be encouraged all the counselors.

Camp gave all the youth time to get away from their everyday, which can be stressful and not like their peers’, and allowed them to just be kids and have fun, laugh, play and be encouraged all the counselors.

I’ve been wanting to be a mentor for years but have been putting it off. I knew after camp it was time to step up and be open to being used by God in a youth’s life. Jorgina was open to having me mentor her, which has been so special and rewarding.

I look forward to spending time together, learning new skills and serving our community together. I hope to be a positive role model for her and give her an outlet to have fun, see the world in a new way and become closer to God. In return, she has already blessed me with her kind and open spirit and has encouraged me to stay strong, keep moving forward and never give up no matter what life has deals us. I have just as much to learn from her as she does from me. It’s a team effort.

I’ve been wanting to be a mentor for years but have been putting it off. I knew after camp it was time to step up and be open to being used by God in a youth’s life.

**Names changed for privacy purposes

There are lots of stories like these, where mentors are making an impact as they walk through life alongside their youth. If you’re interested in becoming a mentor, or supporting the efforts of Teen Leadership Foundation click here.

I was so ecstatic to return to camp this year. I was even more excited to meet new people because of how much fun I had last year. I felt really confident this year too, since last summer I have had my mentor by my side.

My favorite part of camp  was the night hike and the ropes course “of course”. My friend also got to do some of his magic tricks, and that was really cool. I also really liked the worship and prayer, I got to experience a lot more of that this year and got more involved. My mentor has been taking me to church and I really like it.

I am definitely going to keep coming back every year I can and hopefully continue on to becoming a Jr. counselor when I am 18. If there is one think I would tell someone who hasn’t been it is to GO, because it change their life. It has mine.

Sarah, our newest resident at The Launch Pad, excels in academics despite tremendous obstacles. But she never considered herself “college material,” which sadly is the mindset shared by many foster youth. Fortunately, Sarah has been paired with Michelle for several years through the TLF mentor program. Michelle saw Sarah’s drive and aptitude and became her cheerleader, pushing Sarah to go beyond her self-limiting beliefs. Sarah had a dream of attending a local private college, but doubt crept in – how could she possibly be worthy of such a school? Secretly she prepared for another path, imagining her first choice would not work out.

Determined to help Sarah see that her dream was possible, Michelle championed Sarah through the university’s scholarship and financial award process. Together they found creative options, including a few academic scholarships. Sarah was accepted, and she is thrilled. She will be the first Launch Pad resident to attend a four-year Christian college. We are so excited for her and cannot wait to watch her take off into a promising future!

Michelle, you are the church in action! Thanks for fueling hope for Sarah!

I am a recent tutor for a resident at the Launch Pad. I volunteered with this position seeing a very practical way I can come alongside God’s work with TLF at the Launch Pad. It combined my love of the medical field and training as a nurse with my faith of seeing what God could do with my experience and knowledge. It was interesting to see how He uses this relationship to even break the borders of expectations I had in the most basic ways.

I had been tutoring a resident at The Launch Pad for a couple months and noticed the resident having a hard time focusing. This was done rightly so with her toddler running around and being so active. The solution was very simple to me, I didn’t even think twice. The toddler just needed to be entertained, so I purchased a toddler toy car to do this. This has impacted our work together tremendously! My mentee has been able to focus and making studying so much more effective for her, even in our time not spent together.

I am humbled to see how God used such a simple task. I didn’t realize the impact of something I didn’t necessarily see as a huge blessing, but as a practical step to entertain a toddler. My goal was to help in educating my mentee. This is still my goal and the way God is using me as a vessel. He, however has plans I cannot foresee and in the most simplest of avenues. The Church in Action is the vessel God uses to help a mom studying with a distracted toddler. So simple, but the biggest and personal sign of love and care for this resident.

I am a caregiver of two precious siblings.

“Jackie” is 11, and her brother, “Steve”, is 16. My “caregiver confession” is that I, alone, cannot meet all the needs of these children.

But, I’ve learned, that I don’t have to. It is very hard to find quality time for myself on a consistent basis between homework, practices, projects, household chores, health challenges, etc. I cannot put into words how much having mentors for each of the kids has helped. Having such a positive role model in their lives to spend one-on-one time with them is tremendous. They gain positive experiences and do things they probably wouldn’t have an opportunity to do otherwise. Both children have gained direction in their futures and have grown in self-esteem and trust.

In the past six months that Jackie has had a mentor, she has become more responsible, thoughtful, and considerate of others. She and her mentor have gone to see plays, they go to church, go out to eat, and the mentor attends all of her volleyball games! Jackie’s favorite thing to do is go to the beach, and they do that a lot. It is so encouraging to me to see them do the very simple things I wish I had time to do with her myself.

Steve and his mentor first met 18 months ago. They go out to eat and talk about future goals and college. His mentor helps him discover interests, and they have created a book club with a list of classics to read together. Having someone to share his love of reading reminds him that he is not alone. Through time with his mentor, he’s matured and he has a greater sense of direction. He is more responsible, going to school early and staying later to talk with the teachers, and now has his mind set on college. He is already figuring out which one to go to and is looking for a job. He is currently working on improving his grades with his mentor and plans to start driving soon!

I am so grateful for TLF and the ways they’ve impacted not just my youth’s life, but my life as well. They have impacted our entire family for the better.

**Names have been changed for privacy purposes. 

To learn more about how you can support the efforts of Teen Leadership Foundation, click here.