Young Life began its ministry in Eugene in 1957 with a simple vision to go where kids are, build authentic relationships, and share God’s love and the gospel of Jesus in a way they can understand. Over the years, we’ve grown to include ministries in multiple local schools, which currently include Sheldon, Marist, Cal Young, Monroe, and a growing presence at the University of Oregon. We reach middle school, high school, and college students through fun and engaging clubs, small group Bible studies (Campaigners), camps, and consistent one-on-one mentorship. Our team is composed of trained volunteer leaders, many of whom are college students or young and older adults, committed to walking alongside youth in their daily lives.
Brighter Days has fully funded the submitted grant request to restore and enhance the outdoor space at the Eugene Young Life House located near UO campus – a central and historic hub for all of our ministry activity. The house currently serves as the Young Life office, the residence for several of our female leaders, and the hosting space for nearly every core aspect of our ministry: Leader meetings and training, Campaigners for high school and college students, College Club, College worship nights, strategic planning and pastoral support for Eugene-area ministries. We want to utilize the yard/outdoor space more intentionally as our college ministry grows. With a safe and functional outdoor space, we can host bonfires, worship nights, barbecues, game nights, and small group gatherings that help foster connection, belonging, and faith exploration. We envision this space as a beacon on a lonely campus, where students can encounter the Gospel of Jesus in a welcoming, home-like setting.
This grant would fully fund the restoration of the Eugene Young Life House’s outdoor space – completing a long overdue and dreamt for project that will expand and enhance our ability to host ministry events, especially for college students. It will preserve a historic hub of ministry while creating new space for discipleship, community, and outreach to thrive.