July 11, 2018:

Program: Erin Iafrate Grand Traverse Young Life organization

As an educator Erin has dedicated her professional life to leading in Young Life. The faith-based program is focused on mentoring and building real relationships with youth. Meeting students "where they are at" is the driver for how the program interacts with students, as opposed to asking students to come into a different world – moving beyond just inviting to church functions. Young Life leaders volunteer in all sorts of high school extracurricular programs – the school musical, sports, etc. In Traverse City, there are Young Life clubs at all the area high schools and they are working to have them in each of the middle schools. “We have the opportunity to help students feel less isolated and alone. We need to meet students where they are at – on their turf.” Link to video. 

 

Young Life meets weekly meetings at a home or another neutral location. They also offer other individual weekly meetings and have amazing camp experience options in the summer (closest is in Lake City). They are like resorts! Camps are led by someone who leads the club throughout the school year and shared with local friends. Trips and the camp experience leads to the deeper conversations. The program is for both middle school and high school students.

 

Erin’s call to action for the group, if this is something that interests you there are three ways to get involved. Please connect with her to explore. Erin Iafrate (586)206-9570 gtyounglife@gmail.com