Does YoungLives Work? Survey Says.... Yes!

In an external survey taken by over 2,000 teen moms involved in YoungLives, the results are clear. Involvement in YoungLives - and particularly, involvement with a YoungLives mentor - produces deep, meaningful, and far-reaching change. Just take a look at a few of these graphics pulled from the YoungLives Impact Report (available for download or purchase here).

The survey concludes that:

The data confirms that YoungLives' method of putting relationships first - and giving teen moms a chance to give back - is working. From increased educational attainment and aspirations, to improved parenting skills, to a new sense of hope and purpose and a strong support system - YoungLives is making it possible for teen moms to beat the odds and build a secure future for themselves and their children. Not only do young moms gain a group of peers and mentors to help them navigate a daunting path, but they find value, meaning, and hope along the way. And that makes all the difference. 

YoungLives staff and volunteers can access the entire PowerPoint presentation of the findings here, complete with take-aways about strengthening mentor relationships, deepening faith conversations, and diversifying the racial/ethnic make-up of YoungLives staff and volunteers. 

YoungLives Resource Guide

Looking for the best of the best in books and websites that address teenage pregnancy, mentoring, poverty, multi-ethnic ministry, discipleship, and other topics related to ministry with teen moms? Look no further!! We have curated a 6-page list jam-packed with resources, sorted by topic, just for you.  Check it out here. 

New Mommy Gift Bags

This year we created New Mommy gift bags to give to the girls at baby showers or at the hospital. This way, whoever is going to visit them (mentors/staff) can grab a bag from the Young Life office and give a gift from YoungLives. 

The consistency of the gift giving has really served us well. It's also helped eliminate pressure amongst mentors & staff to have to race out to grab a gift. 

We also have met girls at the school who were about to have a baby and didn't have a mentor yet. The gift was a nice gesture to let them know we support and love them!

One person on our committee collected the items and assembled the bags for the new moms. This can also be a great way to get church groups involved.

A sample list of what to include:

• bottle
• onesie
• wipes
• bundle of diapers
• diaper cream
• baby shampoo
• pacifier 
• a note from us
• gift bags from the dollar store

Submitted by Whitney McLean, Tallahassee, FL