By Curt Williams, Founder & Executive Director
I can sum up this communication to you in two words: Thank you. It is because of your faithful giving that we have entered 2026 on firm financial footing, with all the bills paid and zero debt.
I was recently on a Zoom call with a leader of a large national ministry when I heard that due to decreasing support, they had to cut $600,000 from their upcoming budget. Now, please understand this ministry’s scope and income far exceed that of Youth-Reach, but as he went on, he told us that most ministries he is associated with have seen reduced support in 2025 with only a hope that giving will increase in the new year.
I can share with you that our support never waned, no need went unmet, and much has been accomplished. In fact, next month’s newsletter will highlight the incredible transformation we have seen in our Stage Two home due to generous giving. In this home, clearly tired from over 22 years of housing rambunctious boys, we have been able to completely remodel the kitchen, both bathrooms, move walls and completely reshape the home both inside and out. It is actually quite stunning.
Many years ago, I had a board member who commented that if we put these boys in a nice home, they would just destroy it. Quite the opposite has proven to be true. We have found that if you put a kid in a poor environment, you will see poor performance from that kid. If you put them in something they can be proud of, they will rise to the level of their environment. Next month, we will be sharing before and after pictures of our (almost) new Stage Two home, and we are so grateful for those who provided for this much-needed project.
As we launch into 2026, we are completing the due diligence to begin the most ambitious campaign in our 41-year history. Much more will be shared over the next few months, but suffice it to say, we are making solid plans for the next generation of Youth-Reach. We can see over the horizon, and the future will bring an even greater need for what this ministry provides. There will be more kids coming out of homes where addiction, violence, abandonment and neglect dug deep wounds into their hearts. We want to be positioned for that challenge, and we are grateful for all those who pray, give and connect us to resources that help us accomplish this goal.
We are grateful!
