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Juvenile Justice

Willmar, MN

JJM Director

Tom Burton

tom@yfcminnesota.com

“For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in; naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me; I was in prison, and you came to Me.” Matthew 25:35-36

Young people in the juvenile justice system often feel overlooked, and it’s our passion to make them feel seen, heard, and valued. Juvenile Justice Ministry leaders aim to be a steady voice and presence in their lives, intentionally postured as a humble and authentic mentor.

We pursue thousands of young people in the United States justice system each year, coming alongside them in a variety of juvenile justice settings (i.e. detention centers, probation, correctional facilities, group homes, residential treatment centers, emergency shelters, courts, and diversion).

Many of the teenagers we meet face adverse situations such as relational trauma, racial trauma, community violence, and lack of access to basic needs. It is during these moments of crisis that our leaders invest in reciprocal trusted friendships with our young people, who are facing pivotal life challenges. We ultimately build relationships with young people to introduce them to Christ and uncover God’s story of Hope in their lives.