In a town in Texas, at the request of his pastor, a young associate pastor named Jim Raybrun began showing young people how much God cares about them by showing up in their world and sharing the message of God's love through Jesus in ways and words they could understand and relate to.
Today, Young Life is a global organization with local focus. You'll find Young Life leaders from diverse cultures, nationalities and backgrounds in over 100 countries around the world.
Whether it's in cities or villages, towns or tower blocks, in countries on every continent, Young Life leaders are working with over two million young people, right in their own neighborhoods.
Since 1941, Young Life leaders have walked with kids and earned the right to be heard in an exhausting and exciting world. In 2018, 348,000 kids were involved every week all around the world.
Email: carlyvoge@gmail.com
Carly, originally from the East Coast, has been on Young Life Staff for 8 years and has worked with students in Richmond, Virginia, San Diego, and now Los Angeles. Carly first became involved with Young Life as a volunteer in college. She is passionate about connecting with teenagers and helping them grow into who they were created to be. She oversees Young Life West LA and loves to connect with people who have dreams of reaching all kids on the Westside of Los Angeles.
Email: jacocksdt.younglife@gmail.com
DerJuan "Dee" grew up in South Central Los Angeles and graduated Biola in 2020 with a degree in Youth Ministry. Passionate about reaching and mentoring teenagers, he has launched Young Life at Santa Monica High School and volunteers in their Theater Department. He recently took on the role of being the area director for West LA. He loves playing pick-up basketball & tennis on the weekend and is enjoying meeting high school students in Santa Monica.
Email: Grantleddins@gmail.com
Grant and his wife Jamie moved from Austin, Texas to launch Young Life College at UCLA. Grant is passionate about college students and feels called to walk alongside them during these formative years. He spends much of his time hanging out on UCLA's campus meeting students and growing relationships. Their dog Queso has become an unofficial mascot of Young Life College UCLA.
Volunteer your time to work directly with young people.
Support the staff and leaders as part of the local adult committee.
Give resources to start or sustain the financial foundation at the local or national level.