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

BILL RIEHL

REGIONAL DIRECTOR,
WESTERN EUROPE

JIM HALE

SENIOR AREA DEVELOPER,
THE NORDIC REGION

BROOKE RIEHL

dIVISIONAL aDMINISTRATOR,
yOUNG lIFE eUROPE

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.

The involvement of people like you is vital to healthy, sustainable, quality youth work in your area and across our nations.
Contact us via the buttons below to find out about getting involved.

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