Christian nonprofit hopes to foster quality connections among Fayette’s youth
Young Life of Fayette County is fairly new to Southwestern Pennsylvania, but the international nonprofit organization has been in existence since 1941.
The Christian organization makes connections across churches, schools and local businesses to provide opportunities for young people. The nonprofit is creating clubs at the middle schools and high schools in Fayette County, offering space for students to get to know each other and share their experiences.
“This is a diverse group of kids. We have kids from theatre to athletes. They all wear different clothing and have different backgrounds,” said area Director Tim Florian. “I love these kids so much, and our goal is to be encouraging.”
They also offer a Young Life Monday Nights! event. It’s an informal time with games, snacks, music and socializing.
“Ultimately, our purpose is to reach adolescence for Jesus Christ. We want to encourage a deep relationship with Jesus, and we’re not talking to just those who already go to church but those that don’t attend a church,” Florian said. “At the end of Young Life Monday Nights!, we spend five to 10 minutes sharing a story from the Bible, but we’re not pushing them to go deeper at that point.”
Florian said the organization is based on the five C’s.
Contact Work is meeting students where they are and forming relationships with them.
Club includes Young Life Monday Nights!, offering social and connection time with a short lesson.
Campaigners is a similar event but flipped around, so the majority of the meeting is diving deeper into the Bible and studying a lesson with a short time for socializing.
Camps are held across the country and offer ziplining, rock climbing, swimming and evenings with music, Bible lessons and more fun.
Finally, Church. Florian and his team hope to connect young people to a church home to form relationships with youth pastors and other friends.
“I’ve seen so much collaboration in Uniontown. The pastors have welcomed me with open arms, and we’re plugged into each other’s youth organizations,” Florian said. “I love this area, and we’re starting to get the word out.”
Florian hopes Young Life of Fayette County can soon secure a permanent home.
For now, they are meeting at different churches or businesses to host their events.
“The youth just want to be loved, respected and listened to. What they tell you is important. A lot of them are very shy, and we’re seeing kids come out of their shell,” Florian said.
Young Life of Fayette County is always looking for camp sponsorships. They want to share their story with the community and make connections, and as they continue to fundraise and build the organization, they hope to find a permanent home in Fayette County.
“This is an option to pursue a God whom I know loves them, and it’s the most rewarding work I’ve done in my 18 years of ministry work,” Florian said. “So many families are broken, and I hope the kids look forward to meeting with us at the schools and then, to feel comfortable to give the Monday night program a try.”
Visit https://fayettecountyeast.younglife.org/events/ for more information.