I can only imagine what love might look like through the eyes of ONE, who may be considered “the least of these.”   One who lives without a realization of their personal value and worth… not the result of an accomplishment but purely because the price paid for each of us through God’s amazing grace.  I can’t  help but wonder if there are words one could use to describe such love.   A love that transcends all boundaries, keeps no record of wrongs and is saturated with mercy and grace to be rung out and poured over each of us time and again never to dry up.  This is no ordinary love.  With extraordinary measure this love will defy all assumptions each time it reaches out from within the heart of one who is most unlikely to touch another believed to be most unlikely to be changed by love.

In a sad reality, more than 250,000 children enter the foster care system every year due to abuse and/or neglect.   Through no fault of their own, they do not return to their parents but will enter the foster care system where they are assigned a number for identification in the system and they each one begin a lifelong journey in the hands of complete strangers.  A majority will find a family but many are placed in group homes where the welfare system becomes their lifeline.  At a time many families celebrate a milestones in their child’s life, those in foster care find themselves at a place of desperation with no place to call home or family to call their own.  Foster care ends at the age eighteen, where the child will “age out” of the system to find themselves cut off abruptly from the only support they have ever known.  Every year an astounding 26,000 youth will find themselves homeless… without a sustainable life-plan or the emotional stability necessary to live on their own.  May I introduce to you one of several groups who will find themselves, “at-risk.”

While negative risk factors increase the likelihood of poor outcome, positive input help with protective measures and raise the potential of what will become most productive.   We have the opportunity to come together for a cause that will be revolutionary when we stand united as churches, communities, organizations, neighborhoods and families to to look into the eyes of a cause most definitely worth fighting for… a time and place where love and compassion is greater than judgement.  If not us, then who?

 The real challenge of long term change may not be as much about the youth, but perhaps how we as adults view all that surrounds us through the eyes of love. We have seen what love can do!

We continue in our commitment shared with a group of youth in 2010, “We will do everything possible to create a greater awareness to make your needs known. ”   I can only imagine what love looks like through the eyes of ONE, who may very well be considered “the least of these.”

The above proclamation became the campaign for our message shared in public school assemblies during the fall of 2009.  Created for youth who had a support system and a place to call, “home,” we could not have imagined the group God was preparing us to meet.  We continue to hear from many youth and leaders who agree, “Yes, such imagination is possible!”

2010 was great and I really appreciate you being a part of it.  This time last year we embarked on a journey that neither of us could have anticipated.  You wanted to reach out to youth, I wanted to help you do that…and God took over.  Thank you for your commitment to communicate the love of Christ to our troubled youth.  The message is clear to us all… We are LOVED!
Andy Hindman, Director, Faith Based and Community Partnerships, FDJJ, Tallahassee

One on one relationships will make a difference!
We have begun to communicate with several youth who remain in residential correctional facilities.  We will offer these youth a follow up, step-by-step program to coincide with the message shared in their facility.  This is not a normal practice with juveniles and we are lead to believe it has not happened before.  Just imagine, if relationships are created during their sentence, how much more likely will they lean on that relationship upon their release?

A special young man in need of community.
One youth is a 17 year old who was born in prison.  His first arrest came at the age of 7 and he has spent the majority of his youth serving time in five different juvenile correctional facilities; his release date is set for late February.  We have confirmed a mentoring program and we will introduce the leader during three-way calls before his release.  We spoke to his mom two weeks ago and she is convinced he will not last a week.  With eight kids and six fathers representing this single family, his mother fights her own battle as a lifelong drug addict.  Unable to offer her son the love he needs, he will fail without someone who cares.  This kid has potential and is screaming for someone to care.  When asked if anyone had gone our of their way for him before now, he said, “No.”  They are beginning to work with us, allowing connections to be made… the result of a yearlong investment without strings attached.   They are taking notice and we will make a difference!

A note from the superintendent of his facility last week.
Jeff, I will make sure your letter is delivered now.  If you can call today 1:30, this will work well on our end.  Remember, I will need to get him from his housing unit, so give me a call on my cell first.  Thank you, Jeff, for your dedication. It is truly a blessing for you to help.  I will continue to do all I can to remove hurdles and allow you to help this and other young men in my charge.  Again I am very much obliged.

This is uncharted territory and a mission that needs all our support.  Every donation given to Upward Bound Outreach will be used to meet these youth where they are.  We must return and continue what began this year.  If the resources become available, we will do our best to return to every facility in the state for a second year.  This has never, never been done before.  The average sentence for juveniles is 9-12 months; when we return each facility will be filled with a different group of youth.  We must continue to trust God to touch the hearts of those already chosen to make this journey with us.  If He is moving you, don’t delay.  Your financial support is significant to our purpose and will be valuable to the next step necessary to move forward… one step at a time.

Why support Upward Bound Outreach at this year-end?

• Because you care about those who are lost.
• Because you believe in Matthew 25:40; “I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.”
• Because you value the potential of a new beginning for every child… regardless of their past.
• Because you understand youth are responding in ways many have not seen before.
• Because WE KNOW it takes many, giving what they can, to reach as many as possible.

We are praying for God to use you.  To make a donation, click here and use the “donate now” on the right side of the home page.  We remind you, all gifts are tax deductible.  Help us help them by making a donation before the end of the year.  Happy New Year!

Help us move forward one step at a time, donate today!

9.   Because you have seen unwavering commitment to At-Risk-youth this year.

8.   Because God has provided something no one else has to reach those very few are reaching.

7.   Because you care about those who are lost.

6.   Because you will help reach a group of youth so many are unaware.

5.   Because you believe in Matthew 25:40;  “I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of  these brothers of mine, you did for me.”

4.   Because you value the potential of a new beginning for every child… regardless of their past.

3.   Because you understand troubled youth are responding in ways many have not seen before.  Now is the time.

2.   Because WE KNOW it takes many, giving what they can, to reach as many as possible.

1.   Because I am too old to lead this team by myself… we need you.  And by the way, God promised to provide… through you?   We sure hope so!

Happy New Year.

Click "Donate Now" in the upper right

Please feel free to repost anytime.

• 3200 miles… Key West to Pensacola and Everglades City to Jasper.  (Jasper is only miles from Florida/Georgia border on I 75) .  A strategic schedule was necessary to reach our commitment of every facility in the state.
• 22 Facilities… the most facilities in eight days.
• Leadership Conference… We were invited to speak to administration and superintendents of largest Residential Program Provider of the FDJJ.  An opportunity beyond credentials of a first year investment.

Key West, Jeff and Chris furthest south, east coast.

Everglade City, furthest south west coast. 

Ft. Walton Jeff and Russell, last day near Pensacola

Imagine if it were our own child… would the response be different? Despite the persona depicted in the news and television programming, few are like those portrayed as a threat to society with a gun in hand.  Like any of us, without an investment of love and acceptance, boundaries and discipline, they will fall.   Why would we choose to look away instead of looking into their eyes—the eyes of children in desperate need of hope and love?

As founder and director of Upward Bound Outreach, I am responsible for the resources necessary to fund each trip.  Gas, airline tickets, rental car, food, hotels, honorariums, etc… we have invested more than $25,000 to reach 10,000 At-Risk-Youth since January.  We don’t travel alone.  One of the three,  Chris Keith, Brryan Jackson or Russell Pondo, have joined me in every facility this year as we must demonstrate accountability.  For the start of our second year, next month, we have begun to encourage churches and community organizations to get involved by sending a volunteer to join us in a facility when we are in their community.  The ground work is solid, relationships are strong, and the kids are waiting.  We seek ambassadors to spread the word and create the awareness for those desperate for hope and love.      

We will make a difference one touch at a time Many youth believe “those on the outside,” don’t care about them.  I don’t believe it’s a lack of empathy but instead a lack of understanding.  We have met many this year,  like myself, who had never thought of this group and didn’t know such places existed.  We most often support causes with the most familiarity… hunger, disease, famine, just to name a few.  If we ask for $100.00 to clothe a family in need, many would join our cause. Why is it more difficult to share $100.00 to help At-Risk-Youth, and their families, an investment that in time will help them clothe themselves?

We are working with several youth to prepare them for those who will be personally chosen to walk close to them upon their release.  We will serve as a liaison, ”the missing link,” to bridge the gap between youth and community organizations.  The first four months are critical for personal accountability… we would like to provide a minimum of six months.  If anything like I imagine it to be, it will be difficult to walk away.  I envision relationships so strong mentors are invited to attend a wedding and sit in the place of a parent because of the void of this special person in their life.  The rewards will far outweigh the investment.  ”Blessed are the merciful for they shall be shown mercy.”

Partner with us today to change youth and impact families. Walking away from these kids is not an option.  Many within the state value the mark Upward Bound Outreach is leaving on the hearts of their youth.  They are beginning to discuss ways to help us financially.  This process takes time.  We continue to prove our commitment and we need support to continue during a time of transition.  Please help us today and share a personal touch in the lives of those who are lost and rejected.

We are thankful for those who have helped us financially this year.  The generosity of three businessmen, our church, and a small group of support partners, have allowed us to do what many believed to be impossible.  As the mission continues, we trust God to lead you.  Not a long term commitment, let’s focus on a single step… one step at a time.  Be blessed and have a Merry Christmas.

Jeff Moody

]]> http://upwardboundoutreach.org/732/we-didnt-miss-a-single-one/feed/ 0 http://upwardboundoutreach.org/713/incredible-stories-from-our-last-trip/ http://upwardboundoutreach.org/713/incredible-stories-from-our-last-trip/#comments Sat, 06 Nov 2010 16:23:38 +0000 Jeff Moody http://upwardboundoutreach.org/?p=713 We continue to be humbled by each opportunity to positively impact the lives of troubled youth.   We just completed our fifth trip to Florida.  In our personal commitment to share with every DJJ facility in the state of Florida this year, only 17 of the 141 remain unvisited.  We hope to reach our goal by completing the remaining 17 by November 18th, ten months after we began.  Not only will we have spoken to the general population of every facility, we have begun to revisit more than twenty facilities a second time.

Have you met these youth?

Do you realize there are Juvenile facilities not far from where you live?  Inside are youth in desperate need of love and acceptance.  Where do they come from?   Let us introduce many of them to you.  They represent our neighborhoods, schools, communities and yes, our churches.  Many are not that different from those who live on either side of us.  Consider the words written in a recent email; ”I recently joined my friends to work with troubled teens at a facility in Orlando.  I emphasized time and time again… exactly what you say, ’You…Are …Loved.’   It’s humbling to be in their presence…they are beautiful.” Her words are much like those written by a superintendent at a facility in central Florida…

Mr. Moody
Based on the feedback of our youth, they were blessed by your program and you can see the “seed” sown into the lives starting to manifest.  Programs like yours are a necessity for programs like ours.  It is important for our youth to know, realize and understand their self worth.  Your program validates what we believe…These trouble teens are not throw away youth and their lives are worth something. May God continue to  bless you and keep you.
Mike Smith, Superintendent-Eckerd Youth Challenge, Brooksville, FL

They need us!

One reason we travel as a team is to demonstrate the importance of accountability.  Without boundaries, how can any of us make it?  At the time we entered the final facility of the Greater Tampa/St. Petersburg region, the staff was talking about a 14 year old boy who had been released from the facility in December.  The day before, during the early hours of the morning, the young teen approached three men on the streets demanding cash.  The outcome was an altercation ending in murder when the boy pulled his gun from his waste and shot one of the men in his side.  In what the boy called, ”self defense”, the choice he made was in exchange of only $4.00.  I can’t help but wonder if we should begin to take some of the responsibility upon ourselves?   Could someone have helped this kid?  When he was three years old, his dad murdered his mom in the doorway of their home.  They were long time drug addicts, living a life without boundaries.  His dad will serve life in prison as the result of his choice.  The young boy was raised by his grandmother, who was unable to raise her own daughter.  How could she raise a grandson without help?  Is there anything anyone can do to help these families?  Another young teen sits in a county jail awaiting the decision where he will likely be tried as an adult and follow in his dads footsteps.  Remember, love never fails.  So, what are we going to do about it?  We have what they need and it is essential that we shine The Light to their darkened path.

We need you!

Keep in mind, we never once sought this opportunity.  So much has happened in six months that we have been unable to acquire the needed funds for these trips.  They tell us most organizations will spend time in an area, before hand, to meet with organizations to raise necessary funds before they do the work with the FDJJ.  There was no time for this when 22 facilities were scheduled in less than four days, ten days before our schedule began on a Sunday morning in Tallahassee on January 17th.  We have spent everything getting this far and we need you, now, more than ever.  During a recent meeting with a government official, he said we have created something no one else has.  We thank God for every blessing.  We are engaged in this mission and must not relent.  It’s a difficult environment as one we had never considered for ourselves.  It is a mission we can live together when we gain support from those who believe in the hope that belongs to At-Risk-Teens.

It’s an incredible mission and we hope you will take part in some of the things taking place…

• Relationships… We are working to create relationships with the youth through letters and phone calls.  These relationships will allow us to be an active part in helping them connect to those prepared to invest in them daily.  Their environment must change when they are released.  If families are not equipped, the youth must have mentors and accountability partners, in addition to state employees, to walk close to them.  They can be prepared for this while serving their time.
• Follow-up… We are working to create a follow-up program with those relationships are created.  They need help transitioning and finding their place in society.
• Community… We are working with community leaders and organizations to create additional recourses for youth and their families.  The state has developed programs to prepare families for their child’s return.  We will create a greater awareness to help families plug into this this valuable recourse.
• Pursuit… We will pursue the youth upon their release and do our part to help them understand their value and worth.  This will create stronger relationships between the youth and the mentor/friend.

We have received positive recognition from several levels including state officials.  On July 15th, Jeff had lunch with FDJJ Secretary Frank Peterman.  The Secretary offered valuable insight and expressed appreciation for the quality program we are providing the youth in the state.  He opened lines of communication with the Assistant Secretary, Rex Uberman, which resulted in a conference call with Mr. Uberman, and three of his colleagues.  Great things are happening but it takes time.  We need help from those who will stand in the gap with us during the transition.

Six months later… growth at every level.

• Outreach Team Expansion… We met Russell Pondo in July when he attended our program at the facility he volunteers his time to work with the youth.  Russell survived a very bad car accident ten years ago that left him a coma for five months.  When he unexpectedly regained consciousness, he was of the mental capacity of a 2 month old infant.  In diapers for several months, he would need to relearn each phase of life.  Russell graduated from Trinity College of Florida in 2008.  Three weeks after we met, in addition to several phone conversation, Russell joined Jeff for four days as they shared with six facilities.  We will better introduce Russell in our next update.
• Speaking Expansion… In September we have been invited to share at the first Statewide Faith Summit in Orlando.
• Recognition Expansion… In October, G4S Youth Services, a significant Residential Corrections Program Provider, will host a company and statewide golf fund raiser for Upward Bound Outreach.  This will be our first fundraiser of what we hope will be many future funding opportunities necessary to continue to work with these youth.  We are thankful for the support of G4S Youth Services.
• Business Relations Expansion… We are working with an organization that is helping us build the infrastructure to make an even larger impact in the lives of at-risk youth and challenging the church help those society is ready to give up on.
• Territory Expansion… The result of our commitment to Florida has opened doors to other states.  Facilities in Arkansas, Tennessee and Missouri have shown interest.  We will begin in Nashville in the very near future.  They say few are reaching these youth and as the ”buzz” continues to grow stronger I’m reminded of the words written by the superintendent, ”Programs like yours are a necessity for programs like ours”.

There is so much to do but we lack the funds to support the vision.
To this point, we have had few join us financially.  There is so much to be done that it has moved beyond the scope of a single individual.  We have to fund additional staff to continue what God has started.  As we move into other states we will continue the work in Florida.  This is the only state in the country with a Director of Faith Based Initiative.  God has provided us a rare opportunity and we want to make a difference in the lives of the youth and community organizations.

Our vision includes the following:

• A mentoring program to help facilitate change in the lives of youth and their families.
• To develop additional team members who have overcome great obstacles like that of Chris and Brryan.  Russell Pondo is the result of such vision as one who has already joined us.
• Multiple teams to share in different locations at the same time.  For now, each individual travels with Jeff.  In time, there will be several facilitators to lead their own group.
• Mentoring, Mentoring, Mentoring.  What begins at home will continue to expand.  Jeff stays in close contact with those who travel with him.  We are speaking to young guys who were part of the system as youth but now, in their early 20′s they are successful husbands, fathers and citizens giving back to their community.  We want these guys to gain opportunities to share their stories of triumph over adversity.  How will this take place?  Through time and personal investment.

Beyond well wishes and thoughts… the bottom line is simple, we can’t make it alone.  We need your help…

• Businessmen and women, community groups, church groups and individuals willing to sit down and allow us to present this vision, personally.  What has taken place since January 18th has been extraordinary.
• Those who will commit themselves to prayer for these young lives.
• Individuals and churches to help us spread the message.
• Pastors who will allow us to share this message of hope and love with churches and church groups.

Are you still with us? If you have read this far, you truly believe in what God is doing.  May we challenge you to pray right now and ask what God wants you to, personally, to benefit these kids.  No gift is too large or too small.  Is God leading you to give?  It begins with a response.  Are you a pastor or church leader God will use to allow us to share the impact of the ways His love breaks through desperation and hopelessness?   If so, please don’t put off what needs to take place today.  The mission begins with a response to a need.

Somebody else likely will not…Will You Stand With Us?

Our next trip is scheduled for September but we don’t have the funds.  Your support may never be more important than right now.  Will you make a donation online today?  www.uboutreach.org.  If you prefer, you can send a check… Upward Bound Outreach, PO Box 2108, St. Peters, MO, 63376.

We believe you will be blessed.  It’s one step at a time as we live the message we share with each group and move forward by faith.  God bless you, our friends.

FYI… This was the largest group that we have shared.  165 boys sitting on the floor in a gym, holding on to every word we speak.  We don’t use a microphone and Chris’ voice is not loud… but they are completely engaged for more than an hour.  It’s crazy, I tell you.  Absolutely crazy!   I am so thankful I received this today and so happy to share his words with you.

From the Superintendent…

Hello Jeff,
Just thought I would send you an article a youth wrote for our Newsletter about his experience when you were here. Thanks

When we were shuffled down to the gym at 1:50 PM I wondered what is this group going to tell us that we hadn’t already heard? Then I saw a very timid man standing against the wall facing us (who I later learned was Chris) Another man standing next to him introduced himself as Jeff Moody, from the Upward Bound Outreach Program. He’d told us where he’d been and what he’d done. He said that he’d visited multiple programs for boys and girls and that he’d told them all the same thing. That we are all loved after that he started to talk about a boy named “Chris”. Chris had been though a tragedy and a miracle at the same time. Chris’s father had killed his mother, brother and attempted to Kill Chris. When the paramedics arrived the next day, they found Chris’s whole family dead (including his father who committed suicide). The paramedics pronounced everyone dead, but Chris proved otherwise. Chris had survived the gun shot wound and was the same timid man standing before us. Mr. Moody introduced Chris to us and Chris started to tell us his version of the story. When Chris finished, there wasn’t a single person who thought he wasn’t one of the luckiest men on earth. Afterward, we were given a small chance to speak with Mr. Moody and Chris. When I finally got to ask my question, I asked the one thing on my mind. Which was, why did he want to do this? He replied “it was because everyone’s loved but it was his job to let them now it”. When the assembly was over, I decided to do some research on Mr. Moody and his cause.

I found out that Mr. Moody has visited 141 DJJ facilities. He has traveled from Pensacola to Miami and everywhere in between. Finally, I went on to read that he takes all these trips from Missouri to Florida with absolutely no funding from the State.

I can only hope that all of the other residents from here and others across Florida hear the same message that I heard here today.

There you have it…. there’s nothing more to say.  We are truly blessed.  So very blessed!

Our first week traveling throughout the Florida panhandle was great.  Take a moment to read Zack’s blog.  It’s different view through the eyes of a young peer touched by many experiences.  Please check it out and pass it on.  www.zackmoody.com.

The first of two weeks complete

Our first week concluded last Friday in Graceville, Ponce De Leon, and Marianna.  The day began at The Dove Girls Academy in Graceville and ended at Marianna where we shared in both high and maximum risk facilities for young male offenders.  Have you tried to shake the hand of a gang member?  Have you tried to look in the eyes of  someone, hardened by the baggage in their life?  Have you ever asked for volunteers in such a group as these, expecting hands to raise in front of their peers?  It’s very difficult for many but I tell you, something very special is taking place.  It’s not easy for these youth to admit the emptiness but there are always those who raise their hand in need of love, acceptance and encouragement.  It’s absolutely amazing!

Who needs to hear the words, “You are loved?”

This might sound superficial for some, but it is a powerful moment that seems to break through the hardest of hearts.  Friday morning we spent more than twenty minutes meeting each girl, personally.  When we began to wrap things up, a worker came up and whispered in my ear.  I had somehow missed one of the girls and she was devastated.  Rejected her entire life, she wan now the only one to not hear the words I most want to communicate.  ”You are loved!”  How could I have missed her?  Now, standing against the back wall she was crying and her friend tired to console her.  What would I do now?

I needed to right my wrong.  It was heartbreaking to see her this way as the result of what I had not done.  I walked back and stood in front of her when I began my apology.  She looked down, her collar lifted above her nose in effort to hide her emotion.  It took some time but she finally took hold of my hand as she began to look up.  Little by little she opened herself up to another “someone” who had rejected her.   I was able to make amends but this time, in front of more than sixty girls looking on.  I told her, ”I am so sorry.  Please hear me.  ’You are loved.’  In her brokenness, it was important for her to hear a more personal message, ”I love you”, “God loves you”, “You are loved!”  I hugged her and she accepted the embrace.

I am thankful for the worker who shared the information with me.  This is a commitment we will not take lightly.  The youth in these facilities are vulnerable, broken and many are without hope.  Yes, some may end up in prison, but for those that are open, we are planting seeds that very well may impact their lives forever.  Not because of anything we can do, but because love never fails!  We continue to let all who hear understand why we are confident in the words, “You are loved.”  For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.  John 3:16

I received this email from a case manager from the facility.  I look forward to receiving this letter from a very special girl.  One that almost slipped through the cracks… again.

We continue to seek financial support.

We love these kids and they are our passion.  It can be overwhelming to think of an additional $3000-$4000 needed for each trip to share with the youth of the Florida Department Juvenile Justice.  In effort to share with every FDJJ facility this year, we are on course to meet this challenge.  At the end of this week, we will have shared with 71 facilities since January 18th.  (141 total FDJJ facilities)  We have been invited to begin sharing in Tennessee and Arkansas.  God is providing and it is good!  But we could certainly use your help!  Will you please continue to pray for us and for those God might use to help us now.

We see God moving and changing lives.  We close with prayer before moving on to the next facility.

Hi Jeff. This morning you spoke at our facility.  I was able to hear the first part but unfortunately had to leave when the 1^st speaker came up.  I was later informed about one of my girls who was missed during the handshaking.  That story on how you responded and the letter she has written to you has touched my heart tremendously.  I looked on your website for an address, but did not find one.  Could you please email me the mailing address so I can send you this heart-touching letter? Thank you so much for all that you do.  God bless you all!