Recently, The New York Times published research on childhood trauma and healing. https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/31/headway/childhood-trauma-recovery-healing-research.html?unlocked_article_code=1.LlA.8iV0.Eabpjfs_FmVj&smid=url-share
For years, we’ve known that early trauma such as instability, addiction, neglect, and violence shapes how a child’s brain develops, how their body responds to stress, and how they interpret the world around them. We gauge this, in part, through ACE Scores (Adverse Childhood Experiences). The higher the ACE Score, the higher the trauma. These early childhood experiences are often the root causes of addiction and lifelong hardship, but new research suggests trauma is NOT a life sentence. Through repeated, positive experiences over time and consistent, caring relationships, the brain can literally heal, and stress responses can recalibrate, changing a person’s life trajectory
On the South Side, many of the youth we walk with carry heavy stories. Some have learned to expect instability. Most have learned to guard their hearts. Some have no experience with an adult who stays. Thus, we practice what I would call the ministry of showing up. Through activities such as Friday morning breakfasts, after school hang outs at 316, the Warehouse Project, positive mentorship, accountability conversations, prayer, laughter, and encouragement we are there consistently, with a life-long investment into lives of these kids.
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.
This summer our ministry of presence continues. In April, we will send out our Youth Works Summer Catalog — a wish list outlining the activities we hope to provide for South Side kids. Outdoor adventure, sports, creative projects, service opportunities, retreat moments and simple shared meals have all made the list and are experiences designed to reshape and rewire the negatives of difficult upbringings.
We are not simply filling summer calendars. We are participating in God’s redemptive work by layering consistent, life-giving experiences into young lives that have often known the opposite. We are trusting that as we sow faithfully, the Lord brings growth.
Galatians reminds us not to grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Summer programming may look ordinary on paper. But in the hands of a faithful God, ordinary faithfulness becomes extraordinary transformation.
When you receive the Summer Catalog next month, I hope you’ll see it not merely as a list of needs, but as an invitation to join the ministry of showing up. To help create the kinds of experiences that, over time, God uses to rewrite stories.
Thank you for standing with us in this steady, sacred work.
— Kaleb
