Hunter is a 16-year-old student who has been a part of the YFC community for the past couple of years.
If you walk into the building on almost any afternoon, there’s a good chance you’ll find him upstairs in our music studio, playing music with his friends Caden and Jordan. What started as hanging out after school has grown into the three of them forming a rock band and have even performed at school events, community gatherings, and for other students at the center.
Hunter is the kind of student who brings energy into a room. He is funny, easy to talk to, and has a natural ability to connect with people. He has a spark about him that makes others want to be around him.
One of the focuses at YFC this year has been helping students develop practical life skills that prepare them for the future. Through workshops, mentoring, and hands-on opportunities, we have been equipping students with tools like resume building, interview preparation, and job readiness skills.
A couple months ago, one of our amazing volunteers, Mitch, led a resume-building workshop for our students. Mitch serves our students in many ways. From preparing meals, to hosting workshops, being our donation food pick up driver, and showing up consistently each week. With his background as a professor and business owner, he brought a wealth of knowledge and experience to help students understand what it looks like to pursue their first job.
As students walked through the door that day, I asked them, “How old are you?” and “Do you want a job?”
When Hunter walked in, his eyes lit up.
“Yes, I want a job!”
We were able to sit down with Hunter and use the tools from Mitch’s workshop to build his first resume. Even though Hunter had never officially worked a job before, he already had so much experience to highlight. Through his band, he has learned teamwork, commitment, and leadership. At school, he helps lead a video game club, organize events, and create community among his peers. He also consistently shows up to school and YFC, works hard, and takes responsibility seriously.
While building Hunter’s resume, it was clear that his greatest strengths go beyond his experiences and accomplishments. Hunter has a gift for connecting with others, bringing joy into spaces, and creating community. We believe these qualities reflect the person God is shaping him to become and will continue to impact the way he leads and serves others.
After completing his resume, we talked through the next steps: applying for jobs, introducing himself to managers, and preparing for interviews. Hunter took that encouragement and applied at Safeway, where he was hired on shortly after!
Now Hunter is gaining his first work experience, learning practical skills, and taking steps toward building his future. He is investing in himself early, and we are excited to see where this opportunity leads.
At Youth For Christ, our mission is to equip young people with the tools they need to break out of poverty as we build authentic relationships and share the hope of the Gospel with them. Sometimes that looks like sharing Scripture, and sometimes it looks like helping a student create their first resume or prepare for their first interview. Both are opportunities to remind students that they are seen, valued, and capable of more.
Hunter once joked that he should get a job at YFC because “the City Life Directors have the most fun job”, creating activities, spending time with students, and making the center a welcoming place. His comment reflects something we have seen in Hunter’s life. He has found belonging here. He has experienced joy, community, and a place where he can be himself.
Hunter has been introduced to Jesus and the Gospel. A seed has been planted, and we are excited to see how God continues to work in his life.
This is just the beginning of Hunter’s story.