A True Inspiration

GCYFC Receives Chick-fil-A’s True Inspiration Award

We are thrilled to share that Youth for Christ Cleveland has been selected as a recipient of the 2026 Chick-fil-A True Inspiration Award, receiving a gift that will help us reach more teens in the Greater Cleveland community, introducing them to Jesus at pivotal moments through our five unique ministry areas.

The True Inspiration Awards were founded in 2015 to honor the legacy of Chick-fil-A’s founder, S. Truett Cathy. Each year, Chick-fil-A honors organizations from across the U.S. that are making a positive impact in their communities. We are one of only 56 out of 3,500 nonprofits nationwide to be recognized for this year’s award.

The 2026 True Inspiration Award funding will strengthen our core ministries, allowing YFC to deepen relationships, expand our reach, and prayerfully prepare for future growth, including the hopeful launch of Parent Life. Parent Life is a ministry that supports teen parents, mentoring them as they juggle school, family, home life, and relationships, along with the stress of a new pregnancy or baby. Through Parent Life, YFC helps young parents uncover the hope of Christ in a time when they need it most.

We are so grateful to Chick-fil-A, Inc. for supporting our mission. This generous grant will help bring hope and life skills to Greater Cleveland’s neediest students.

A Heart for Service

Dakota, a deaf teen, has a big heart for service. When she first heard about Jesus’s ministry to the poor, she was moved. “I want to care for people like that,” she thought. From then on, Dakota decided she wanted to help every person she could.

One day, as a leader was driving students back from an event, Dakota saw a man on the side of the road. Dakota always carries snacks with her, so she asked if she could give away her snacks. The leader pulled over, and before they left, Dakota asked her to tell him, “Jesus loves you. I’m praying for you.”

Right now, Dakota is in a restaurant program at her school. Her dream is to start her own restaurant for people in need, making delicious meals for people who can’t afford food. Dakota is an inspiring example of a young follower of Christ being the hands and feet of His kingdom—serving her neighbors by meeting their practical needs and sharing the hope of Christ.

Click here to read more stories about students like Dakota.

Prayers & Praises

• Praise God for 257 volunteers partnering with us this school year!
• Prayers for Finance Director Kevin, who is recovering from significant surgery.
• We are thankful for nearly 40 guests who attended the first See the Story Tour—pray for more to come and be inspired by our mission!
• 13 students attended the DTQ retreat in February, connecting deaf kids with God through ASL!
• JJM and Campus Life Public have begun the Rebalance program to help youth heal from trauma and develop skills to manage their emotions in positive ways.
• Pray for more private school students to sign up for Kiawah, a week-long trip where the Gospel is the main focus.
• Over 30 students at Garfield Heights have expressed interest in starting a student-led Bible club!

Click Here to RSVP for the See the Story Tour!