Your support in 2024 enabled us to reach thousands of children in America with the hope of the Gospel!
Our mission
your impact
Thank you for blessing my son and so many other kiddos
with such an incredible opportunity to have fun and experience the love of God!
-Parent
you are making a difference!
from the heart of president and ceo lars carlson
God is good! As you read this newsletter, you will see some of the amazing ways He worked at Youth Haven in 2024. For over 56 years now, He has faithfully provided the resources for us to share the hope of Jesus with kids who may never hear about Him anywhere else. Whether you gave a gift, prayed for the kids and our ministry, or gave of your time and talents as a volunteer, I want to thank you for allowing Him to use you to make a difference in the lives of children who need His love!
​
There is so much more to be done right here in our own nation, and we can't leave a single child unreached with the Gospel! We look forward to all God has in store for 2025 and ask you to continue to stand with us to reach more kids for Christ!
life-changing experiences
In 2024:
-
We provided over 2,200 free on-site adventures for more than 1,100 individual kids and teens!
-
Our at-home Adventure Club grew to include more than 1,800 children in 10 different states!
​
There are children in America facing hardships and challenges that make it difficult for them to thrive. Many of them have been the innocent victims of abuse, neglect, abandonment, violence, or poverty. They're looking for hope, and unfortunately, many will look for it in the wrong places if someone doesn't teach them that true hope can only come from Jesus. At Youth Haven, we are reaching the unreached children in our nation with the hope of the Gospel, thanks to the kindness of friends like you!
on-site
adventures
Our campuses are safe places full of fun, where kids form lifelong memories with newfound friends. They have a chance to be active, explore the great outdoors, try new things, and discover new talents. Each on-site adventure provides a well-rounded experience that positively impacts a child's physical and emotional wellbeing, always with the goal of showing them the love of Christ.
2024 Highlights:
-
We served approximately 25,750 meals
-
We gave more than 420 custom Bibles to children and teens who needed one
-
At least 160 kids made decisions for Christ!
at-home
adventure club
Kids can engage with Youth Haven and learn more about Jesus at home through our Adventure Club! We send frequent mailings full of exciting Bible stories and activities they can complete and mail back to us to earn prizes. Our kids' website (havenforkids.fun) is also regularly updated with fun videos and challenges. The Adventure Club gives kids a sense of belonging while teaching them to use the Bible as a guide for life!
2024 Highlights:
-
We mailed more than 1,950 birthday cards
-
Adventure Club membership grew by more than 200 children since this time last year!
hope for the future
arianna's story
"Youth Haven... opened my eyes and told me even though I've been in the system the Lord so loved me and knows what He wants with me."
Arianna* came to Youth Haven for the first time as a teenager struggling with the instability of foster care. Her experience at our teen retreat changed her life! Here's her story, in her own words:
"Growing up in my biological household, I went to church as a way to get away from my parents. I didn’t understand the Lord’s way. I knew that there was a God, just not in the right way. Growing up, I also had a lot of trauma. I was around seven or eight and was getting abused. I felt overpowered and couldn’t breathe but I prayed out to the Lord seeking Him for safety and help. He saved me, but being in the system hasn’t been exactly kind. I stopped believing in God because, if He was real why would He take us away?
"It’s taken me a while to realize He made plans for me. A couple months ago I wasn’t as close to the Savior as I am now. About a month ago I went to Youth Haven that just opened my eyes and told me even though I’ve been in the system the Lord so loved me and knows what He wants with me. God has offered me so much and He has been involved with me. If it wasn't for Him I wouldn’t be here today. Ever since He and I became closer I have been open minded of what’s next. He has given me grace and patience. I am Christ’s daughter and He has saved me!"
Arianna's story would not be possible without the generous support of friends like you. Thank you for giving her hope!
​
*Name changed for confidentiality
god's love in action
"You all are such a blessing to the girls. And a major help in navigating their situation. I also appreciate all you and your staff are doing for children in these situations." - Foster Parent
​
When we welcome kids into our programs, our goal is to be part of their lives. That's why we offer on-site and at-home experiences all throughout the year, and a teen discipleship program once they turn 14. For children experiencing trauma and constant change, Youth Haven is often the one stable thing in their lives. We want them to know we love them and they can count on us to be there for them so their hearts will be open to trusting in God's love and faithfulness!
teen
discipleship
Our Elevate teen program focuses on discipleship and developing leadership skills, through on-site teen retreats and in-depth Bible studies they complete at home. Teens can apply to become "Cadets" and volunteer to help with the children, serving as role models and earning leadership responsibilities as they advance.
2024 Highlights:
-
169 teens were involved in our teen program
-
10 teens became Cadets, with another 22 working toward becoming Cadets. 18 Cadets advanced to the next leadership level!
-
Cadets gave over 3,100 volunteer hours
christmas
outreaches
Thanks to the generous response to our toy drive, we shared the hope of Christ with over 900 children during the Christmas season! Each child received gifts and toys, along with a Christmas story book that explains the birth of Jesus as the true reason we celebrate Christmas. We want to thank Family Life Radio for their partnership!
​
2024 Highlights:
-
Approximately 325 children attended our special Christmas retreats
-
We sent 500 care packs to kids in 6 states
-
We packed over 75 toy bags for children in need in our communities
You guys have made such a positve impact on my children
and have shown them that there are good people out in this world. They have overcome many obstacles so far in life... Their trust and faith in people have grown stronger and I attribute most of this to the Youth Haven staff. Thank you.
-Parent
Your continued help in 2025 is so important!
We offer our programs to deserving children free of charge, and we are not funded by state or federal support. This is only possible when friends like you stand with us to provide for the needs of the children we serve!
