You cannot lecture a kid out of a dysregulated nervous system. You meet it with presence, safety, and repetition until the brain slowly learns a new normal, which is what our Youth Works staff does.
The Healing Impact of Relationships
Scripture tells us that the steadfast love of the Lord never ceases. His mercies are new every morning. What science is now confirming is something God has woven into creation from the beginning: consistent love reshapes us. We are formed, healed, and restored through relationship with others and with the Lord.
Celebrating the Impact of Camp
Youth Works Spotlight by Layne Peters Summer camps create space for life-changing encounters with Jesus. Two days have passed since getting home from helping with Junior High Summer Camp, and I just got off my third FaceTime call of the day with Seth*—one of...
Adventures Build Confidence & Relationships
Youth Works Spotlight: by Alex Streeter, CLDI Intern Youth Works spends a large portion of their time mentoring students in the school system on the South Side. We offer before-and after-school programs and work closely in the school system as coaches, substitute...
Reflection on Discipleship
Youth Works Spotlight: by Jackie Patten, Youth Works Director One of my favorite Youth Works icebreakers is “When did you feel most connected to God this week?” There are several defining moments of my walk with the Lord that set me on a trajectory of following Him,...
Sharing the Love of Jesus
Youth Works Feature Walking alongside students in their day-to-day lives makes an eternal difference. Our gospel-centered, holistic approach to transforming the South Side community begins with building relationships. For youth, this includes meeting them where...
Discipleship: Helping Others Become Rooted in their Identity
The roots of a person's struggles are often deep, intertwined and complex. No one singular "program" can address all of a person's challenges. Many of the people that CLDI serve have come from families and generations before them that have found themselves in patterns...
My Call Into Vulnerability
Words by Jackie Patten In light of Valentine's Day, our office has a “heart attack” game going around where we have to essentially bomb each other's work desks with goodies, candy and words of affirmation. The individual who chose me wrote words of encouragement that...
The Impact of Mentorship
Volunteer Highlight by Eddy Welch Before becoming an apprentice mentor through Rail//Line Coffee, I was looking for a ministry to partner with. I wanted to help people not only to grow in their walk with Christ but to further themselves in the professional world as...
Expanding CLDI’s Reach
New Executive Director Kaleb Perdew shares his history with the ministry and vision for the future. In 2017, CLDI’s Executive Director Eric Basye crossed paths with Kaleb Perdew, a Billings native and recent graduate from the University of Montana. Kaleb had a heart...