from YoungLivesDear Friends of YoungLives;

The word is out! When YoungLives comes alongside teen moms, the impact is significant. In 2013, YoungLives reached more than 10,000 teen moms and their children. Our vision is to double the impact and serve 20,000 families a year by 2016.

The need is great. One in ten babies is born to a teen mom in the U.S. YoungLives reaches these vulnerable families with resources that transform generations. Join us in carrying this hope to teen moms and their children. Your investment will yield an eternal return as generations are changed.

Listen to Karen’s story, one of the teen mom’s parent who is currently serving as a volunteer leader.

“I am the mother of Danielle and the grandmother of Amari (2 years old) and Damir (4 months old) Smith. I learned about YoungLives through Danielle’s school when she became pregnant with Amari in 2012. I was looking for a program that would encourage her and help her cope with becoming a teen mom. Danielle and I attended a YoungLives parenting class, and she was welcomed by both the teen moms and the leaders. She immediately wanted to become a part of this program. I was also looking for a ministry to get involved with, and I liked the atmosphere. As I sat and observed the way the leaders interacted with the teen moms and children, the Lord laid it upon my heart to join this ministry. This ministry has helped me to cope with being the mother of a teen mom because it has not been easy. I am a single mother/grandmother myself. There were days when I wanted to throw in the towel. I would contact the area director, Sharon Holland, and she would encourage and minister to me. When Danielle became pregnant again in 2013, I began to question God because I felt that I had failed her. However, the Lord impressed upon me that He was in control and that these babies are a blessing and not a curse. Since Danielle’s birth of Damir, she has started to mature and now realizes that she must put forth her best effort to provide for her sons. She has decided to finish her education and wants to become an EMT. I thank God for the positive effect YoungLives and Sharon Holland have had on her. They let Danielle know that no matter how many times you fall, God is there to pick you up, dust you off and help you to get to your purpose. Thank God for His redemptive Love and Grace.”

The Lord has been so generous to our area in this mission. Its been an amazing year for many of the teen moms who graduated from high school and currently attending community colleges. We have seen teen moms achieve their education and career goals, become confident in parenting, and live their lives rooted in Christ.

As 2014 comes to an end, this YoungLives area would like to say thank you for your support and generosity. This year, your contributions helped more than15 moms,12 babies and ten leaders attend summer camp at Lake Champion in Glen Spey, N.Y.

Thanks for all you’ve done and all you’re currently doing to help us reach teach moms. Would you consider a year-end gift that will launch us into 2015 on solid financial ground?

Invest in change. Invest in hope. Invest in YoungLives.

Sharon Holland

P.O. Box 23372 • Alexandria, VA 22304 • 571-276-0401 • younglivesdc.younglife.org