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Hello (Insert name),
This year I am golfing in COYFC's Youth Guidance Golf Marathon. This is my _____ year participating in this fantastic event that, in the course of 27 years, has raised over $2,000,000 for Central Ohio Youth for Christ and the Juvenile Justice Ministry. The Youth Guidance Golf Marathon is an all-day golfing event to help provide hope and a future for at-risk and incarcerated youth in Central Ohio through the relationships they build with the staff and volunteers of Central Ohio Youth for Christ's Juvenile Justice Ministry.
Since it's beginning, Central Ohio Youth for Christ JJM Chaplains have provided hope and encouragement to more than 7,000 incarcerated teens in five Central Ohio detention centers. JJM staff and volunteers reach 150-200 teens on any given day, providing spiritual programming through individual appointments, life skills training, and small group discussions to residents at these detention centers. In addition, there are opportunities for probationary teens, post-release, to engage with mentoring relationships and involvement with other Central Ohio YFC outreaches, youth groups and/ or churches.
When youth are arrested, they often reach one of the lowest points in their lives. Being removed from their normal influences creates openness to change that often does not exist on the outside. The only way for an incarcerated youth to turn from their life of crime is through the power and grace of God. Through your generosity Youth for Christ's Juvenile Justice Ministry stands ready to share the love of God with these young people.
In a recent visit with one of the youth a COYFC chaplain has been meeting with, he shared this story:
On a visit with my parents my father and I were talking, and he mentioned that he's happy that I'm in detention. I looked at him confused and said, "What you do your mean you're happy???" He answered, "I feel that ways because you could've gotten killed or even worse. The people that were after you and the people you were after-- just so much more that could've happened to you, I'm glad you are in here. God put you in this situation to take a break and focus on yourself to better you." I agree with my father, I was heading too deep into the streets, and I was becoming blind to the evil in this world. Now, I am grateful for the person I am becoming as I have been maturing during my time at the facility. The mindset and life-skills I have developed during the time in detention has given me a better and different look at life and I am grateful for the new me.
National surveys unanimously agree that the number one desire and need for young people today is healthy, significant relationships with adults and peers, but they have no idea how to achieve them. With the increasing pressures this generation faces (educationally, vocationally, socially and morally) they feel unequipped, alone and hopeless. Central Ohio Youth for Christ (COYFC) recognizes how these relational issues and life issues are intricately related.
Please join me in this effort to change kids' lives! You can donate to this worthwhile cause through my Youth Guidance Golf Marathon page: https://youthguidancegolfmarathon.com/list.cfm. Your contribution will go a long way in helping COYFC staff and volunteers continue to reach incarcerated and at-risk teens throughout Central Ohio.
Sincerely,