YOUNG LIFE CHELSEA

Manhattan, NYC

Hison Dallas
Hison is one of our graduated
High School teens. He has
attended camp and is now
learning what it means to be a
leader in our Middle School
program. He begins his role as
a volunteer leader this
summer. He is extremely eager
to learn and to serve!

Tragedy Leads to Opportunity

Two years ago NYC was struck with city-wide devastation due
to Hurricane Sandy. Many were left with trying to start their
(Pictured above: Hison and
and Chris Mills, Area Director)

On the Team
We are very blessed to have

Riley Smith on staff with us in

Young Life Chelsea! Currently
she serves as the Director of
Wyldlife at Fulton Houses (6th 8th grade). In this role she
gives leadership to all of our
volunteers who work with
Middle School teens. She is
also beginning her sophomore
year at NYU this fall.

lives over again, while many others had to cope with the loss
of loved ones. In the midst of this great tragedy I became
aware of many families who were in serious crisis at Fulton
Houses - a housing project in Chelsea, Manhattan. I quickly
mobilized some volunteers from churches and schools in the
neighborhood and from Young Life. For several days in late
October we delivered food, water, blankets, batteries, and
other necessities to over 2,000 residents at Fulton Houses
who were without electricity, water and heat. Because of the
faithful service of the volunteers the doors were flung open for
us to bring Young Life to this neighborhood!
The following spring we began with Club at Fulton Houses on
Thursday nights. We invited Middle and High School kids to

come eat pizza, play games, sings songs, laugh, and

most importantly consider the choices they were making
in their life. We averaged over 20 kids a week and were
able to meet nearly 50 kids during the semester! Deep
and meaningful relationships between kids and
volunteers were formed as the teens in Fulton Houses
came to realize we were there for them.
Over the past two summers we have taken over 60 kids

Get involved!

to camp and gave them one of the best weeks of their

lives! They had a blast and their eyes were opened to
see life from a different perspective. They got to rock

CLUB - This is a weekly gathering of kids

where they get to play games, eat

snacks, and talk about life. We call it a
"party with a purpose!"

climb, play on rope swings, go tubing on a lake, play

basketball, be involved in daily skits, explore their faith
and much more! This led to great conversations all week
and of course much deeper relationships between kids
and volunteers.

CAMP - Twice a year kids get to have

the "best week of their lives" at one of

our 5 STAR Young Life camps. They get
to ride crazy rides, play sports, sing
songs and much much more!

CAMPAIGNERS - We pair kids up with

committed adults for an incredible

relationship of mentoring! Kids get the
blessing of "doing life" alongside a
leader.

We have transitioned to two nights of Club at Fulton

Houses! Our Middle School Club meets on Monday nights
and our High School Club meets on Thursday nights. We
continue to see growth in our weekly programs at Fulton
Houses as we average over 50 each week attending our
Young Life program! Kids love us being a part of their
lives because they know we care. All we know to do is to
love them like Jesus loves them.
Chris Mills
Area Director Young Life Chelsea
nycmills@gmail.com
615-653-9149 (cell)
Twitter: @nycmills @YLC_NYC