Today we’d like to introduce you to Scott Anderson.
Hi Scott, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Central MN Youth for Christ first came to the St Cloud area in 1978. As part of an international organization YFC reaches teens in every state in the US and has outreach to teenagers in over 100 countries. We are a chartered affiliate of YFC/USA while governed by a local Board of Directors.
Since its beginnings, Youth for Christ has always been committed to impacting teens through intentional caring relationships! As we connect with teens, we operate in what we call a 3 Story Philosophy – God designed us with the need of a healthy intersection of 3 stories. 1) Their Story – Every teen we encounter has a story – all the good and not so good things in their life makes up their story. Many of the kids we encounter are dying a little bit more each day. They feel no life and in a survival mode they are self-focused looking for ways to meet their needs – often in ways that bring more darkness and death. Our hope is to bring life to their story! .2) The second story is the people they encounter – Our Story – Our staff & volunteers & their families, teachers &, youth pastors all have a story – all the same things exist for all of us & our encounters with these kids allow our stories to intersect & impact these kids! 3) Finally, there is a third story – God’s Story. His love and forgiveness impacts all areas of our stories and our desire is, as we connect our stories, to see this same love and forgiveness affect the lives of all of our teens. While we have some awesome programs to connect with teens, we truly understand that programs don’t change people! Relationships do! So, we see our programs as a vehicle to 3 Story Relationships. These intentional relationships – connecting these 3 stories is the heart of effectiveness in everything that we do!
Almost 30 years ago we moved into the former Anderson Trucking building which has provided the space that was needed to develop a life-skills/recreational center for teens. Our facility includes an art studio, music studio, an auto mechanics shop, culinary teaching kitchen, gymnasium and indoor skate park all providing opportunities to learn life-skills while interacting with these caring mentors. Half of the building is leased to tenants which pays for building operations so that donated money goes directly to our work with the teenagers. We have over 100 volunteers serving more than 300 teens.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Because many of these teens come from rough backgrounds it requires patience and faith that God is working in their lives even when we don’t see immediate change.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
All of our staff and volunteers specialize in creating a warm, welcoming and safe environment that opens the door to kids going deeper and sharing their stories. Every teen and adult shares their personal story in a group setting. This levels the field for everyone. Kids learn that they aren’t the only one who has gone through struggles which leads to meaningful relationships and creates an environment where healing can take place.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
My personal story included growing up with stepfather who was physically and emotionally abusive. His favorite question to me was, “do you think you’ll ever amount to anything?” After hearing that enough times, I began to believe I probably wouldn’t. A young couple from my church stepped into my world and impacted my story. Because of the time they spent with me I felt valued – they not only told me about a God who loved me; they demonstrated that love by the the things that they did and the way that they spoke to me. I wouldn’t be doing what I am today if it wasn’t for that couple!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://cmyfc.org
