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What People Are Saying About Young Life...
I believe Young Life has had a very positive impact on the young people of Naperville for many years. The impact has been physical, intellectual, emotional and spiritual. As principal at Naperville Central High School, I often have the opportunity to speak with young people who are struggling with many issues in their lives. They are wondering about whether to engage in sexual activity, use drugs and alcohol, respond to the pressure to succeed in the classroom or extracurricular activities and sometimes, deal with dysfunctional homes. Of course, there are many young people who have made appropriate and positive decisions in these areas and yet still struggle with the whole issue of purpose in their lives. The wonderful thing about Young Life is that all of these young people can come together with others and share their pain and their joys with those who have found real purpose in their lives, and hopefully, find it for themselves. I am thankful that Young Life is available to the students of Naperville Central High School and when the appropriate opportunity has been available, I have encouraged students to attend a Young Life meeting and find out what it is that has brought real meaning and the answer to so many issues and to the lives of others.
Tom Paulsen
Associate Superintendent, Naperville Community School District 203
Former Principal, Naperville Central High School
Naperville Young Life was in its infant stages when I went to my first club meeting in 1969. I wasn't sure what to expect on that night, but it was the beginning of a life changing transformation for me. The summer after my sophomore year in high school, I was given the opportunity to go to Young Life's Frontier Ranch in Colorado for a week. There I accepted Jesus Christ into my life. I was active in three sports at Naperville Central, but Young Life and Campaigners were always my main focus in high school. Most of my closest friends came to the clubs with me. My fondest memories of that time in my life were all related to Young Life. The foundations of my moral and philosophical beliefs and my life in Christ are all based on what I learned in Young Life. I have been a guidance counselor at Waubonsie and Neuqua Valley High School for the past fifteen years and am the director of Naperville Operation Snowball, and I know what this generation of teens has to deal with on a daily basis. I firmly believe the reason I work with youth today is because of the effect my Young Life leader had on me. I know how Young Life has positively impacted many teens in this area. I feel being a Christian and being involved with Young life are two of the most important and satisfying aspects of a teens' growing years. You never lose that feeling of acceptance or commitment that epitomizes Young Life. I couldn't be happier that Young Life is alive and thriving once again in Naperville.
Spike Grossheush
Counselor and Coach, Neuqua Valley High School
Director of Operation Snowball in Naperville
Young Life is a great way for kids to get to know Christ. The high school students I know who have been a part of Young Life are some of the most committed Christians I've ever met. The leaders are not only people who love God and kids, but who are dedicated to helping students come to have a relationship with Christ. There is no doubt that God is working through Young Life.
Jim Melton
Youth Minister, St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church
Young Life staff and leaders understand youth culture and know how to connect with kids in fun and meaningful ways. Even more importantly, they are clear in their mission – to share the love of God and to introduce kids to Jesus Christ. The proof, in my experience, is in the numerous young lives that I have witnessed which have been changed in significant ways through Young Life’s ministry of relationships.
Rev. David Boumgarden
Senior Pastor, River Glen Church
We are always searching for new ways to provide opportunities to help students succeed. Young Life is an avenue to help make this happen. Through Young Life there are positive influences which help students build self esteem and confidence. Young Life also encourages peers to work with each other and develop a servant’s attitude. Young Life has much to offer to students from all walks of life, and it is a valuable resource for our families and our community.
Rudy Keller
Associate Principal, Waubonsie Valley High School
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