Who We Are
at a Glance
1941
Young Life begins in the USA
In Gainesville, Texas, a young associate pastor named Jim Rayburn began showing up in the lives of young people. He wanted to create a fun and safe place for kids to be themselves, make friends, and have the opportunity to talk about real life and real hope.
100+
Countries with Young Life staff and leaders
In 1954, Young Life started its first club in France. 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. Young Life is currently in 22 countries across Europe.
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. Over 18,000 of these kids live in countries around Europe.
BROOKE JOHNSTON
Senior vice president,
young life Europe
AL ANDERSON
REGIONAL DIRECTOR,
CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPE
EMILY SANDEFUR
REGIONAL DIRECTOR,
tHE DACH REGION
SONIA MAWHINNEY
REGIONAL DIRECTOR,
the UNited Kingdom & Ireland
BILL RIEHL
REGIONAL DIRECTOR,
western Europe
JIM HALE
SENIOR AREA DEVELOPER,
THE NORDIC REGION
You Were Made for this
Your story matters, and it can make a difference beyond what you imagine.
Volunteer your time to work directly with young people.
Support the staff and leaders as part of the local adult committee.
Give resources to start or sustain the financial foundation at the local or national level.
