I am writing this letter to express my appreciation for “Youth for Christ/Campus Life.” I fully appreciate and encourage the utilization of this resource.

When I was a little girl I grew up in poverty. I lived with my mom from first grade to seventh grade. It was a tumultuous time for my family due to varying circumstances within my family system. We had moved a lot and had some unfortunate circumstances happen. I needed an intervention. When I moved in with my dad at the end of seventh grade my brother, sister and I gained some stability, but still needed healing from my past. Youth for Christ/Campus Life helped in the healing process exactly when I needed it most. Through the adult mentors and friends — which I never had in elementary school — they taught me right from wrong. Youth for Christ made a big difference.

Also, when I was young, Robin and Greg intervened in a positive manner to help stop the cycle of poverty in my life.

Without Youth for Christ, I shudder to see what my life would have become like. Not that my life is perfect, but it’s in a healing process. Currently, I work as a mental health counselor in St. Paul and am still in touch with the mentors who made this all happen for the good. Thanks to Max Bachtle, Matt Dorfner, Peggy Bennett and the rest of the mentors, I’m in a better place. I would like to invite you to attend one of the fundraising/awareness building banquets being held at Wedgewood Cove Golf Club. The first banquet will be at noon Nov. 12. The second banquet will be at 7:15 p.m. Nov. 13. The doors will open a half hour before the banquet begins. RSVP is necessary. Please call (507) 373-1015 to reserve your spot!

Kimberly Strothman Anderson

Minneapolis