Our History

HISTORY

Youth for Christ of Kern County, a chapter affiliate of Youth for Christ USA, was started in 1958.  We are governed by a local Board of Directors of Christian business people who are committed to meeting the physical, social, mental and spiritual needs of young people. Youth for Christ is an independent and interdenominational organization that partners with churches and community organizations.  Our programs work with an average of 1,150 young people weekly: on the campus with thirty-nine campus clubs, follow up, big events and camps; in the Institutions with chapel services, weekly visits, life skills training and special events; with pregnant and parenting teens through mentoring and training programs; and through service projects, big events and training by partnering with local churches.

VISION STATEMENT

Through collaborations and partnerships with local churches, schools, institutions, and community organizations, our vision is to mobilize caring adults and student leaders in order to meet the physical, social, mental and spiritual needs of every young person in Kern County.

OPPORTUNITIES

Kern County has a population of over 81,834 young people between the ages of 11 – 18 years of age.  The churches and faith based youth organizations of our county provide on going services to approximately 25,000 of these young people, leaving 56,000 without this beneficial encouragement and support.  Our challenge is to increase our involvement through volunteers and partnerships to serve the entire youth population of our county.

RECENT VICTORIES

Of the 6,572 young people involved with Youth for Christ in the 2010-2011 ministry year, 4,129 were given an opportunity to make an informed decision to be followers of Jesus Christ.  790 of these young people made that life changing decision.  Many others made positive choices that will benefit them now and in their future.  Working together with 29 schools, 5 juvenile institutions, several community agencies, and over 40 churches and organizations we are able to meet the physical, social, mental, and spiritual needs of these young people through our diverse programs.

DURING OUR 2011 – 2012 MINISTRY YEAR we will open 8 new ministry sites and provide programs for over 6,220 young people giving at least 3,840 the opportunity to become followers of Jesus Christ. To accomplish these goals; we need to expand our volunteers from 153 to 172 who will be working along side our 11 full time (2 part time moved to full time) and 6 part time staff.  With our annual budget of $811,444 expenses we need to increase our financial partnerships by $100,200 this year.