Young Life in
Forest Hills
Our beginning in Forest Hills took place in the late 60s/early 70s, when Forest Hills was just one school. We began ministry at Forest Hills Northern in 1972 and were there on the first day of Eastern High opening its doors in 2004. We have active ministry at Forest Hills Central and Northern High and Middle Schools, and our dedicated leadership team is passionate about hearing, seeing, and knowing students for who they are.
There is a team of people who give hours every week to make this mission possible. Our Young Life leaders are students from Calvin University, Cornerstone University, Aquinas College, and working adults who have committed to building friendships with students in this community. Our Committee is a group of caring adults who share the vision to support students, leaders, and staff in a variety of roles.
Whether you are a college student, working adult, parent, teacher, or YL alumni, we invite you to join us!
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 6114
Grand Rapids, MI 49516
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
Kate Greene
Area Director
Kate grew up in Grand Rapids and met her husband, Josh at Wheaton College in Illinois. She studied Christian Formation and Ministry, and is currently working on her Masters in Theology at Fuller Theological Seminary.
Kate oversees ministry and staff in Forest Hills, as well as team leads WyldLife and serves as a leader with her husband at Forest Hills Northern High School. Kate is passionate about building hospitable and joyful community for students and leaders. She also loves a long walk with coffee and being an aunt!
Clare Delgado
Capernaum Coordinator
Clare grew up in Grand Rapids, and attended Saint Mary's College where she received a Bachelors in Social Work. After graduation, she moved to Chicago to work at a non-profit where she met her now husband Gian Luis. She is now back living in Grand Rapids (for good!) with Gian and their three sons.
Clare oversees the Capernaum ministry, and is passionate about inclusion and creating spaces at the table for all people. She also loves drinking coffee in her backyard while entertaining two small boys and any new or old friends that might stop by!
COMMITTEE
THE 5 C'S OF
YOUNG LIFE
CAMPAIGNERS
CAMP
CLUB