Parent Life Launch

We are excited to announce the launch of a new ministry at Greater Cleveland YFC: Parent Life! This is a unique ministry that connects with expectant and parenting teens, supporting them through challenges and helping them uncover God’s story of hope in their lives.

The ministry will be directed by Zac Fletcher, who has served on staff at GCYFC since 2025. Zac has a heart for families and a desire to see generations changed by the love of Christ. He also sees the impact fatherlessness has on a household and desires for young moms and dads to have access to strong, godly mentors.

Parent Life’s ministry is focused on:

• Gospel-Centered Care
• Practical Support
• Community Partnerships
• Committed Mentors and Volunteers

Teen Parent Statistics

• 137,273 babies are born to teen mothers (ages 15–19) each year. (CDC)
• Only 50% of teen mothers receive a high school diploma by age 22. (congress.gov)
• Teen parents are more likely to experience low income as adults, and their children are more likely to face poorer educational, behavioral, and health outcomes. (congress.gov)

The Need

Cuyahoga County demonstrates a significant need for support of expectant and parenting teens. In 2022, there were approximately 614 births to teens ages 15–19, resulting in a teen birth rate higher than both the Ohio and national averages. These outcomes are concentrated in several Cleveland neighborhoods, particularly on the East Side, where many young parents face challenges such as poverty, limited family support, housing insecurity, interrupted education, and a lack of consistent mentoring relationships.

While valuable services exist for medical care and crisis intervention, there remains a gap in ongoing, relationship-based support that addresses the practical, emotional, spiritual, and developmental needs of teen parents. Parent Life seeks to fill that gap.

What We Do

Parent Life seeks to connect with expectant and parenting teens and their children through intentional relationships with caring adults and strong community partnerships. Our aim is to empower young parents to thrive in every aspect of life, continue their education, become healthy and confident parents, and ultimately grow as lifelong followers of Jesus Christ.

Through relational, holistic ministry, we desire to see young people flourish physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. Our strategy is to provide life-giving mentoring by coming alongside young parents during one of the most pivotal seasons of their lives, helping them discover God’s story of hope and purpose for them and their families.

Parent Life Launch

Our hope is to raise $150,000 to launch the Parent Life ministry. The work cannot begin until we raise the first $75,000. Will you help us reach our goal? We invite you to join us in prayerful support of Zac and his team as they prepare to minister to the physical, spiritual, and relational needs of young parents in the community.

In the next year, we hope to:

• Launch one Parent Life ministry site.
• Serve at least 8–12 expectant and parenting teens.
• Recruit at least 15 volunteers.
• Hire one female field staff member in the next 3 months & one male field staff member the following year.

A Note from Zac

YFC Family,

I am incredibly excited to begin this new adventure. The opportunity to come alongside expectant and parenting teens is both a tremendous joy and a profound responsibility. I am deeply humbled to be entrusted with leading this ministry.

As we move forward, I would greatly appreciate your prayers—for me, for my family, for our future staff and volunteers, and especially for the young parents and children we will have the privilege of serving. Please pray that God would use Parent Life to demonstrate the love of Jesus, strengthen families, and bring lasting hope to generations to come.

—Zac Fletcher