“Common Ground has really impacted me in a positive way.
I don’t go to church often, so Common Ground (YFC club at Kalaheo) is frequently the closest thing I have. It’s a very accepting environment where people can talk and share without being judged. I love the supportive atmosphere. The leaders really care for us. Common Ground has helped me make deeper connections with my friends and get closer to God.
I believe Common Ground can make an impact at Kalaheo. The lessons taught in Common Ground center around being a good person, having faith and learning about God. Spreading good vibes to others is making a difference on campus."
“I was born as a result of an affair.
My mom was married and my biological father got her pregnant. Growing up, I barely knew my father. He would have me come to his house for visitations, but he would leave me at home with my step mom. After 5th grade he stopped contacting me and ended up divorcing his wife. I don't talk to him anymore.
Sometimes, I struggle with knowing if my father really loves or cares about me. Many times, I feel like I am fending for myself and all alone. My best friend, Amanda invited me to church. She also invited me to the YFC campus club at Kalani. Being new to the school, it was awesome to have a place were I felt love, care, and a sense of belonging.
Even though I question and doubt my earthly father's love for me, I am beginning to understand God the Father's love for me. I am still new to all of this, but it is so awesome that Amanda invited me to the YFC club, that talks about a God that cares for me. I love learning more about Jesus during club. Lately we have been learning that God is not afraid of our drama. I am glad he doesn't judge me for my family issues.
Thank you for your supporting abandoned students looking for a home for their hearts.”
“Over the course of my life…
I have helped many people. One of the ways is through the YFC Trailblazers Club. I am the president of the Trailblazer Club at Kailua High school and we have hosted many events that benefit the school. In this club we worship God, plan events, and try to improve our community. One of the events I planned, was to improve the Kailua High School campus. During this event the club painted the walls along the corridors and had a service session. At the service session we talked about future plans for more community service and how we could raise the money.
Through Trailblazers, I have learned to be more dependable with decision making. Not only that, but I have a place to hang out. For a long time, I have sat alone. Things changed once I got into the YFC club. I had a place to eat two days out of the week. Even if my class was on the other side of the school campus, and no matter how inconvenient it was going to the meetings, I looked forward hanging out with club members. YFC has helped me become a leader at Kailua and inspired me to help others. Thank you!"
-Cheyanne (pictured far left)
“For most of my life I have experienced dysfunction and pain.
My younger brother, mother, and I were abandoned by our father. I was homeless and spent the last five years living with relatives and family friends. These past three years have been rough; we were living with my mom’s friend who told me to kill myself. This person would lock me out of the house from 4 pm to 9 pm while I stood humiliated in the yard. I felt abused, abandoned, controlled and imprisoned.
My life began to unravel. No one at school could help me. I was afraid if the school found out I was homeless that I would get kicked out of school so I kept everything a secret. I trusted no one. I couldn’t eat, sleep or concentrate on my grades. I never imagined during all those years of homelessness and abandonment, God would eventually provide me a family and love through the Mililani YFC Club. I attended club weekly and began to realize that I could trust God, Darren (the YFC staff) and the leaders in the club. This club provided me a family when I was hurting, a home when I had none, love when I felt unworthy and a purpose when I was lost.
I can help my friends who have similar situations of brokenness in their families by helping them find comfort through the YFC club and God’s love. Currently, our small and broken family has found our own home. We have been attending a local church. The YFC club gave me hope, when I couldn’t find the answers. Darren and the leaders have walked and prayed with me through my struggles. Thank God for YFC and for the church family. I am so grateful. My desire is that more students find a “home” with the Mililani YFC Club and also a home and family with God. YFC’s heart is for the “orphaned” student to show God’s love for the unloved on every high school campus.”