Together we can support youth
Giving back through life-changing experiences.
Our Mission
“We refuse to evaluate others by the standards of the world, but instead we will see their possibilities of becoming a new person; the old life gone, a new life has begun.” (2 Cor. 5:16-17)
L.I.F.E. Project, San Benito County will extend love, grace, guidance, counseling and encouragement to our clients, with the goal of revealing God’s plan for them to thrive and live a life of purpose. As a faith-based program, we commit to the whole healing of the individual (spirit, soul, mind, body) through the love and grace of God extended to us all through Jesus Christ.
Our Vision
Our collaborative vision is that not one individual return to a life of incarceration due to a lack of access to services. We are committed to individuals reentering our community by offering what is commonly known as wrap-around services, through support, mentoring, and other needed assistance.
Successful reintegration is important. We will utilize evidence based practices with service that support, nurture and supervise the progress of each individual, with the hope of decreasing the overall recidivism in our City and County.
Our Team
Shelly Werfelmann:
Current member of San Benito County Juvenile Review Board (JRB); Current member of Juvenile Justice Commission; Current Board Director of C.A.S.A. of San Benito County; Prior member of San Benito County Opioid Task Force; Prior member of San Benito County Child Abuse Prevention Council (CAPC); Currently a San Benito County Resource Family (Foster Parent); Prior Court Appointed Special Advocate for C.A.S.A. Orange County, CA; Currently San Benito County Teen Recovery Director providing recovery programs for youth incarcerated in Juvenile Hall.
“I've always had a passion for youth who have lost their way. It started at a very young age, somewhere in my teens. In 1999 I went to work for Advent Group Ministries in San Jose, CA working with teen addicts in a group home environment. My 6+ years working for Advent helped me see my purpose and passion become one. Since then, through volunteer work, I’ve been working with incarcerated youth and youth struggling with addiction.”
#LIFEPROJECTSB
purpose
jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Resources Servicing San Benito County Youth
Youth Recovery Connections (YRC)
They aim to help those with opioid and other substance use disorders by providing intervention and prevention services. They provide a secure and supportive atmosphere for young people who are struggling with substance abuse-related problems.
Youth Alliance
Youth Alliance Youth Support Services offer essential programs for young people to succeed! These programs are a Mental Health Services Act funded PEI project in order to positively transform the lives of young people and their families.
Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA)
Their mission is to train and support community volunteers who advocate for abused or neglected children placed in foster care; upholding the children's rights while pursuing a safe and permanent home.
Sunnyslope Christian Center Youth Group
Pastor April Arreola