Tragedy Leads to Opportunity Two years ago NYC was struck with city-wide devastation due to Hurricane Sandy. Many were left with trying to start their lives over again, while many others had to cope with the loss of loved ones. In the midst of this great tragedy I became aware of many families who were in serious crisis at Fulton Houses - a housing project in Chelsea, Manhattan. I quickly mobilized some volunteers from churches and schools in the neighborhood and from Young Life. For several days in late October we delivered food, water, blankets, batteries, and other necessities to over 2,000 residents at Fulton Houses who were without electricity, water and heat. Because of the faithful service of the volunteers the doors were flung open for us to bring Young Life to this neighborhood!

The following spring we began with Club at Fulton Houses on Thursday nights. We invited Middle and High School kids to

Hison Dallas

Hison is one of our graduated High School teens. He has attended camp and is now learning what it means to be a leader in our Middle School program. He begins his role as a volunteer leader this summer. He is extremely eager to learn and to serve!

(Pictured above: Hison and and Chris Mills, Area Director)

On the Team

We are very blessed to have Riley Smith on staff with us in Young Life Chelsea! Currently she serves as the Director of Wyldlife at Fulton Houses (6th - 8th grade). In this role she gives leadership to all of our volunteers who work with Middle School teens. She is also beginning her sophomore year at NYU this fall.

YOUNG LIFE CHELSEA Manhattan, NYC

come eat pizza, play games, sings songs, laugh, and most importantly consider the choices they were making in their life. We averaged over 20 kids a week and were able to meet nearly 50 kids during the semester! Deep and meaningful relationships between kids and volunteers were formed as the teens in Fulton Houses came to realize we were there for them.

Over the past two summers we have taken over 60 kids to camp and gave them one of the best weeks of their lives! They had a blast and their eyes were opened to see life from a different perspective. They got to rock climb, play on rope swings, go tubing on a lake, play basketball, be involved in daily skits, explore their faith and much more! This led to great conversations all week and of course much deeper relationships between kids and volunteers.

We have transitioned to two nights of Club at Fulton Houses! Our Middle School Club meets on Monday nights and our High School Club meets on Thursday nights. We continue to see growth in our weekly programs at Fulton Houses as we average over 50 each week attending our Young Life program! Kids love us being a part of their lives because they know we care. All we know to do is to love them like Jesus loves them.

Get involved!

• CLUB - This is a weekly gathering of kids where they get to play games, eat snacks, and talk about life. We call it a "party with a purpose!"

• CAMP - Twice a year kids get to have the "best week of their lives" at one of our 5 STAR Young Life camps. They get to ride crazy rides, play sports, sing songs and much much more!

• CAMPAIGNERS - We pair kids up with committed adults for an incredible relationship of mentoring! Kids get the blessing of "doing life" alongside a leader.

Chris Mills Area Director Young Life Chelsea nycmills@gmail.com 615-653-9149 (cell) Twitter: @nycmills @YLC_NYC