By Curt Williams, Founder & Executive Director
Many ministries and programs focus on specific areas of need in young people—some address physical issues like addiction and eating disorders; others concentrate on emotional and psychiatric concerns. There are also programs that target behavioral challenges, reimagining education through structured reward-and-consequence models. Still others nourish the soul through Bible study and discipleship. At Youth-Reach, our mission is to care for the whole person, offering targeted interventions that address every challenge our boys face.
Physical health plays a vital role in our overall strategy. Nutritious meals, regular exercise, and an active lifestyle help lay a strong foundation for both vitality and confidence. We also have a tailored education system that seeks to get boys back on track and then trains them how to learn. There is no chance for advancement without doing the work, and there is no space to fall through the cracks. Emotionally, we start with the provision of a safe, healthy and predictable home environment. Professional counseling and intensive mentorship are then introduced to equip each young man with the tools for forgiveness, healing and forward progress.
Here at Youth-Reach, the root of behavioral issues is most often fatherlessness. Very few of our boys have ever enjoyed a healthy relationship with their birth father. Uprooting the pain of abandonment, neglect and abuse while providing a path to forgiveness has brought freedom to many. Ministering to each boy’s soul begins with staff members who embody the humility and strength of Christ. Regular Bible studies and church involvement are key.
During our annual Youth-Reach Olympics, along with the physical and scholastic competitions, Jarod Dyess and Taylor Smith organized a special competition—baking! What future wife will not appreciate that her husband learned how to bake amazing desserts while at Youth-Reach? When we talk about creating a balanced man, we want our guys to one day play a consistent role as a present, loving and engaged husband and father. And, one who can create some delicious desserts for his family.
