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 more than 1,200 young people weekly: on the campus with 37 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 82,000 young people between the ages of 11-18 years of age. The churches and faith based youth organizations of our county provide ongoing services to approximately 25,000 of these young people, leaving 57,000 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, 211 young people involved with youth for Christ in the 2008-2009 Ministry year, 3, 412 were given an opportunity to make an informed decision to be followers of Jesus Christ. 585 of these young people made that life changing decision. Many others made positive choices that will benefit then now and in their future. We are able to meet the physical, social, mental, and spiritual needs of these young people through our diverse programs.

During our 2009-2010 Ministry Year we will open 2 new ministry sites and provide programs for over 6,300 young people giving at least 3,700 the opportunity to become followers of Jesus Christ. To accomplish these goals; we need to recruit 40 new volunteers and identify and raise an additional $48,000.