Out There in the World of Kids
Young Life doesn’t start with a program. It starts with adults concerned enough about kids to go to them, on their turf and in their culture, building bridges of authentic friendship. These relationships don’t happen overnight — they take time, patience, trust and consistency.
So Young Life leaders log many hours with kids around the world — where they are, as they are. Leaders faithfully attend football practices in the Minneapolis suburbs, mingle with teenagers at a mall in Stockholm and play pick-up soccer with former child-soldiers in Liberia. We listen to their stories and learn what’s important to them because we genuinely care about their joys, triumphs, heartaches and setbacks.
We believe in the power of presence. Kids’ lives are dramatically impacted when caring adults come alongside them, sharing God’s love with them. Because their leader believes in them, they begin to see that their lives have great worth, meaning and purpose.
This is the first step of a lifelong journey; the choices they make today, based upon God’s love for them, will impact future decisions … careers chosen, marriages formed and families raised. All ripples from the time when a Young Life leader reached out and entered their world.
Who We Are
BegUN in San jose, california, in 1986, young life cAPERNAUM IS ESPECIALLY FOR KIDS AND YOUNG ADULTS WITH DISABILITIES.
Parents & Community
Even though Young Life is especially for kids, parents and other adults in the community are important to Young Life. Adults can support Young Life in a variety of ways — by becoming a volunteer leader or committee member, by attending a Young Life fund-raising event, by hosting Young Life or by simply telling others in the community about Young Life and its commitment to kids.
Every title in Young Life — from regional director to area director to staff associates and vice presidents — represents a man or a woman whom God has gifted to help reach every kid. The design of the ministry allows each part of Young Life to run smoothly while still training and mentoring the new staff who answer the call each year.
2008
BEGINNINGS OF CAPERNAUM LOCALLY
In 2007, a faithful and small group of adults in our community had a big vision of reaching all kids. After a year of prayer and vision casting, relationships began forming and ministry opened with our first club in December of 2008.
Committee
Committee is the foundation for Young Life in a local area. Oftentimes, new Young Life clubs start because of the interest and awareness created by the committee. We also welcome the involvement of adult Young Life alumni, whose enthusiasm about their Young Life experiences is valuable to a committee. There are many roles and many opportunities to be involved. To get involved, please contact us!
1986
START OF CAPERNAUM MINISTRY
Nick Palermo started Young Life Capernaum in 1986 with the support and vision of several key donors. The dream of Young Life for kids with disabilities first emerged in 1980 when Nick, then a Young Life volunteer leader, encountered 25 kids in wheelchairs at Blackford High in San Jose. Drawn into their world, Young Life leaders soon learned that these kids had the same needs and desires as their typical peers, yet they were isolated and misunderstood by society at large. Even to this day, Capernaum is one of the very few ministries focused on providing social activities and building relationships with kids with disabilities.
You Were Made for this
Your story matters, and it can make a difference beyond what you imagine.
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.
