Strong Roots - Tacoma Area YFC

Strong Roots Build Futures

80 Years of Faithful Presence

For eight decades, Youth For Christ has been showing up for Pierce County youth—not to fix them, but to walk alongside them. Through mentorship, on-campus programs, and juvenile justice ministry, we’ve learned that transformation happens through faithful presence.

One trusted adult. One consistent relationship. That’s where change begins.

Youth Empowered Annually

1400

Programs and Initiatives

Reported Positive Outcomes

50 %

The Power of Presence

What We Believe

Every young person needs at least one trusted adult who believes in them—not to fix them, but to show up consistently, listen without judgment, and walk alongside them through life’s challenges.

For 80 years, Youth For Christ has embodied this belief through incarnational ministry in Pierce County. We don’t offer quick fixes or easy answers. We offer presence, relationship, and faithful commitment.

Our Approach

Incarnational Ministry

We go where youth are—schools, detention facilities, communities

Relational Focus

We prioritize long-term relationships over programs

Faith-Centered

We believe transformation happens through God’s love expressed through human presence

Community Partnership

We work alongside families, schools, and faith communities

Where We Serve

On-Campus Programs

We’re present in four Pierce County schools, providing mentorship, lunch groups, crisis support, and consistent adult presence for students who need it most.

Youth Mentorship

We show up weekly in three detention and residential facilities, offering hope, relationship, and reentry support for youth in the justice system.

Teen Parent Support

We walk alongside young parents, offering support, parenting skills, and hope for building stable families.

Two-generation approach supporting both parents and children

Stories of Transformation

DAVID'S STORY:

The Power of Showing Up

“My mentor didn’t fix me. He just showed up. That’s what I needed.”

David was 14 when he met his YFC mentor at Willie Stewart Middle School. Struggling with family instability and academic challenges, David didn’t need another adult telling him what to do—he needed someone who would simply be present.

For three years, his mentor showed up every week. They ate lunch together, talked about life, and built trust. Today, David is thriving in high school with plans for college.

“He didn’t judge me. He just kept showing up. That changed everything.”

MARIA'S STORY:

Finding Hope at Remann Hall

“I thought everyone forgot about me. But you showed up.”

Maria was 16 when she entered Remann Hall Juvenile Detention. Facing serious charges and feeling abandoned, she had given up hope. Then she met her YFC mentor.

Every week, without fail, her mentor visited. They talked, prayed, and planned for Maria’s future. When Maria was released, her mentor helped connect her family to resources and continued walking alongside her.

Today, Maria is back in school, rebuilding family relationships, and mentoring younger girls.

“YFC didn’t give up on me when everyone else did. That’s what saved my life.”

How You Can Partner With Us

Monthly Partnership

Sustain ongoing mentorship and programs through consistent monthly giving. Your faithful support enables us to show up faithfully for youth.

Legacy Giving

Honor the almost 80 years of ministry and invest in the next generation through planned giving and endowment support and Donor Advised Fund as well. Leave a legacy to the next generation through YFC.

Volunteer Mentorship

Become a mentor. Give your time, presence, and relationship to a young person who needs a trusted adult.

Prayer Partnership

Join our prayer team. Intercede for youth, families, staff, and the transformative work of God in Pierce County.

Church Partnership

Engage your congregation in supporting YFC through financial partnership, volunteer recruitment, and prayer mobilization.