Grand Rapids SouthWest

P.O. Box 503
Grandville, MI 49468-0503
616.965.1568

Who We Are

at a Glance

1941

Young Life begins in the USA

In a town in Texas, at the request of his pastor, a young associate pastor named Jim Raybrun began showing young people how much God cares about them by showing up in their world and sharing the message of God's love through Jesus in ways and words they could understand and relate to.

100+

Countries with Young Life staff and leaders

Today, Young Life is a global organization with local focus. You'll find Young Life leaders from diverse cultures, nationalities and backgrounds in over 100 countries around the world. ​

Two million

young people reached by Young Life staff and leaders

Whether it's in cities or villages, towns or tower blocks, in countries on every continent, Young Life leaders are working with over two million young people, right in their own neighborhoods.

348,000

KIDS INVOLVED WEEKLY

Since 1941, Young Life leaders have walked with kids and earned the right to be heard in an exhausting and exciting world. In 2018, 348,000 kids were involved every week all around the world.

Staff

 
 
 
 
Eric Zoodsma

Area Director

 
 
 
 
Mario Awator

Staff Associate

 
 
 
 
Levi Price

Staff Associate

 
 
 
 
Jon Stremler

Staff Associate

 
 
 
 
Jessie hulsebos

Area Admin

 
 
 
 
Chris Thompson

Church Partner

You Were Made for this

Your story matters, and it can make a difference beyond what you imagine.

Volunteer your time to work directly with young people.

Support the staff and leaders as part of the local adult committee.

Give resources to start or sustain the financial foundation at the local or national level.

The involvement of people like you is vital to healthy, sustainable, quality youth work in your area and across our nations.
Contact us via the buttons below to find out about getting involved.