GIVE
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.
Lizzy Heuer
Chicagoland Young Life Staff Associate and Prospect Area Director
Lizzy has been on full-time staff since July 2021. She grew up in Prospect Heights and attends the Bridge Community Church. Lizzy graduated from Hope College in May 2020. She nannied for four kids during her first year post-college, and began part-time staff with Young Life February 2021. She majored in Psychology and minored in Youth Ministry. During her time at Hope, she had the opportunity to be a Young Life leader for the Greater Holland area. Lizzy lead at Hamilton high school for three and a half years––the Hamilton community, the students, and the relationships she formed are such huge blessings to her and she is forever grateful for her time there. Lizzy is so excited and thankful for this new adventure, and is so humbled by this opportunity to get to know PHS students, and families, and to serve and be immersed in the Prospect community.
Steve Nelson
Committee Chair
Steve retired in 2019 with the intention of riding his bicycle and devoting his time and talent to new endeavors. Steve’s first exposure to Young Life was at North Park College. While he served as a leader for a high school ministry, he befriended classmates who were leading Young Life at Von Steuben High School and had attended Young Life at Prospect High School. His story has come full circle with the opportunity to now serve on the adult committee dedicated to Young Life at Prospect. During high school and college, Steve and Stacy’s eldest daughter kept the family tied to Young Life as a participant, volunteer, and leader. Steve and Stacy have remained connected to the Young Life mission as financial supporters of Young Life Northside-Chicago. Steve also serves Prospect Young Life as a volunteer leader and has served Willow Kids as a volunteer leader for over 20 years.
Committee Members
A Caring Group of Local Adults who Support, Pray, Encourage, and Serve this Ministry and this Community
- Ben and Julie Asper
- Doug and Liz Walker
- Lou and Nicole Neri
- Steve and Stacy Nelson
Leaders
Steve Nelson
Volunteer Leader
Steve served as a leader at a high school ministry while in college. Steve’s eldest daughter attended Young Life and then served as a leader and summer camp staff. Steve sees the potential in all adolescents and believes that Young life is a terrific way for them to achieve it.
