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Skills for a Lifetime
Rob, a mentor through T.R.A.C.life in Omaha, Nebraska, fixed up a car his church planned to donate to Chariots of Hope, a nonprofit that gifts cars to people in need. When the client no longer needed the car, Rob’s pastor asked if he knew of anyone in need of a vehicle.
Shout Out to Dawn, T.R.A.C.life Mentor from Austin, Texas
Dawn has been involved in T.R.A.C for 8 years as a camp counselor. Last year, she signed up to be a mentor with T.R.A.C.life, an experience Dawn treasures.
Planting Seeds of Hope
As I was preparing for R.E.A.C.H. Summit, I was reminded of the night Tim and I were originally called to start Teen Reach. We were in Houghton, NY, watching another Royal Family KIDS Camp graduation.
Lifetime Connections
Will and Angela debated on whether they wanted a late brunch or chicken wings earlier this spring. Deciding on wings, they were surprised when an employee said, “I know you.”
Pure Religion Sunday
Pure Religion Sunday: A day of unity to reflect God’s heart for the orphaned and vulnerable on November 10, 2024, and throughout the year.
Campfire Speaker
Three years ago, Keyara wanted nothing to do with T.R.A.C. Her all-black clothing and bad attitude screamed, “Stay away.”
Hugging a Porcupine
Jesus saw the huge crowd . . . and he had compassion on them. Matthew 14:14
At a recent conference, I heard that getting close to youth in trauma is like hugging a porcupine.
Ouch.
SOTO from T.R.A.C. Milwaukee, WI
Jeasian was a handful at T.R.A.C. this summer, testing every boundary possible. Even his camp counselor wanted to cut the apron strings after being Jeasian’s camp counselor for multiple years through both Royal Family KIDS Camp and T.R.A.C.
Battle-Weary Parents
Ever feel like a fraud?
I’ve had several conversations lately with members of our Teen Reach family. Seasoned Christians facing real battles for their children and grandchildren.
Meet CJ, T.R.A.C. Tampa, Florida, Director
CJ joined the leadership team at T.R.A.C. Tampa, Florida, in January 2020 and became the director the following year after completing leadership training.
Helpful Hints for Newbies to R.E.A.C.H. Summit and the Gala
We’re thrilled you’re here with us at the annual leadership summit. This time is designed for refreshing, connecting and growing.
Teen Reach Make a Will Month
Over 300,000 teens across America enter foster care for many reasons, including abuse and neglect. Teen Reach provides them with a message of hope, giving them a place to process their stories, while building skills and relationships needed to succeed in life.
Shout out to Candice Carlisle and the T.R.A.C. Tribe in Tuscaloosa, Alabama
No matter how many times I serve or visit one of our Teen Reach camps across the country, seeing the smiles or hearing the stories of impact never gets old.
T.R.A.C.life NLT Opportunity
Due to interest, Teen Reach is thrilled to announce a third T.R.A.C.life National Leadership Training this year.
When: October 19-21
Where: Tampa, FL
REACH Summit Bios
Olivia Paulson is a TBRI practitioner. In addition to training others on trauma-informed care for youth from hard places, Oliva lives out TBRI in her home, her local church congregation, and throughout Central Florida.
Building Bridges
Recently, Alliance Redwoods Conference Grounds in California sent an email that caught my attention.
Do you know what is the most urgent mental health problem in America today?
Gary Holzhouser, National Challenge Course Co-Director
We’re pleased to announce Gary Holzhouser has agreed to join Preston Wood as the National Challenge Course Co-Director. Gary Holzhouser has been part of the Teen Reach family for a total of 18 years, serving at the local and national levels.
Living Like Lydia: Teen Reach Volunteers
As I read Acts 16 last week, I recognized Teen Reach volunteers to be like Lydia of Thyatira.
Why We Do Camps for Youth Residing in Foster Care by Tommy Lane, T.R.A.C. West Central Arkansas
At girls’ T.R.A.C. a few years ago, one of the campers smiled constantly and looked out for everyone around her. This is sometimes a tell in foster kids who are the oldest sibling and have been put into an overwhelming position of responsibility due to a challenging home life. This young girl, a mother hen to all the other girls, was very standoffish from the male staff