2013-01-08
In high school, Steve and Lynn LaCagnin’s three children became involved in an organization called Young Life.
"It was a Godsend," Steve said. "They learned how to have fun with their peers without drugs, alcohol and sex being involved.
"As a result of Young Life, our children and their friends developed a closer relationship with God and became confident young leaders. In short, Young Life gives youngsters a positive model to emulate as they grow up."
To help share this experience with other children in the area, the LaCagnins created an endowment fund managed by Your Community Foundation (YCF) to provide continuing support for Young Life Leaders and programs.
"We have seen first-hand the difference Young Life has made and want to do all we can to ensure that the positive
impact it has on the youth of our community continues," Steve said. "YCF has given us a wonderful opportunity to provide that support to Young Life leaders and its programs in perpetuity."
Young Life is a worldwide, inter-denominational, non-profit organization founded in Texas in 1941 to extend
Christian outreach to teenagers, and now to college students through its Young Life College. The Mountaineer Area Young Life group serves North-Central West Virginia and includes the I-79 corridor of Harrison, Marion and Monongalia counties along with Taylor County.
"Young Life thinks the world of young people," said Area Director Ben Tuel. "We believe they deserve to know what
life has to offer, so our adult leaders enter the world of students to build lasting friendships through our weekly Young Life Club, our week-long yearly camp and our other activities and programs. Young Life members learn about
Christianity in a fun way while identifying with a group of peers who truly care about each other and their faith journey."
Young Life Leaders are adults who are committed to being involved in kids’ lives – from supporting them at their
sporting events to listening to them talk about what’s important to them. "Our leaders help kids to consider the direction of their lives and offer hope for their future," Tuel said. "While many of our leaders are college-aged adults, we have leaders of all ages, backgrounds and professions."
"Young Life is a successful program because it is run by young adults willing to spend the time and make the effort
to mentor their younger peers," Steve LaCagnin added. "Those Young Life Leaders need our support to continue their work, helping successive generations grow up respecting one another and experiencing the joy of lives well lived."
All contributions to the Young Life Fund at YCF are invested to increase their value, with the net income from these
investments used to help support the organization’s activities. Tax-deductible contributions in any amount can be made to the Mountaineer Area Young Life Fund in care of YCF, P.O. Box 409, Morgantown, WV 26507
"Donors are vital to Young Life at the local area and regional levels," Tuel said. "Donations help us hire and train
staff, provide essential administrative support to our area and can help us send kids to Young Life camps."
Information about Young Life is available at http://mountaineerarea.younglife.org or by calling (304) 610-8175.