Back to all Ministries

Juvenile Justice Ministries

Engaging Probationary Youth

Ministry Site Leader

Steve Telfer

stelfer@coyfc.org

Phone

614-848-4870

Helping Teens Feel Seen, Heard and Valued

Young people in the juvenile justice system often feel overlooked. JJM chaplains come alongside these incarcerated youth to help them find answers, guidance, hope and comfort through one on one spiritual counseling sessions and small interactive chapel services. Our Bridgebuilders program also helps connect teens who have been released with mentors and positive peer groups.

Our Outreach

Impacting Teens in Five Detention Centers throughout Central Ohio

Franklin County Juvenile Intervention Center
Columbus (since 1996)

Multi-County Juvenile Detention Center
Lancaster (since 2004)

Central Ohio Youth Center
Marysville (since 2012)

Perry Multi-County Juvenile Facility
New Lexington (since 2012)

South Central Ohio Regional Juvenile Detention Center
Chillicothe (since 2017)

Life As An Incarcerated Teen

Join the Mission

Ways to Support Juvenile Justice Ministries

CHAPLAIN – Talk with youth detained in a detention facility. Teach Bible studies for small groups of detained teens.

DRIVER – Take teens to and from weekly Youth for Christ Bible studies.

BRIDGEBUILDER AFTERCARE MENTOR – Mentor and assist young people who have been released from a detention facility.

NOTE WRITER – Write notes of encouragement for teens who are serving a sentence in detention.

If you are interested in learning more, contact Steve Telfer at stelfer@coyfc.org.

What Our Volunteers Say about Serving the Teens

"I volunteer for JJM because many of these youths are desperate for acceptance. When they learn of God’s acceptance and His love for them they hear a hope that can transform them. Being a part of the team from YFC has brought me closer to our Lord."

“I think kids who are caught up in the court system and end up in places like the JIC have a lot of needs. Not surprisingly, many of them are in touch with their spiritual needs and actually receive Jesus. How like our Lord to take something so negative and turn it into something totally redemptive. It's super cool to get to play a small part in what God is doing with youth who are incarcerated!”

“I have been a prison ministry volunteer with adults for many years. I felt God calling me to share the gospel with at-risk youth. When JJM came across my path, I immediately knew this was the organization! It has been and is a joy to be a part of such a great Christ-centered team.”

Invest in a Probationary Teen