Youth
1 Timothy 4:12
Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity.
Life is tough, and having faith isn’t always easy. But what if there was a place where you could grow, ask questions, and find strength in a group of youth who care? That’s what YAP is all about—real people, real faith, and a real purpose. At YAP, youth not only learn about human trafficking, but everything that we go through in today’s world: teen dating violence, healthy dating, mental health, college readiness, career/jobs,
YAP is building a community where you can be yourself, make real friends, and talk about things that actually matter—life, faith, and purpose. We do fun events, deep conversations, and even some crazy-fun games. No pressure, just a place to belong. You should check us out!
Would you like specific invitations for different events?
Identity is one of the biggest challenges people experience. Unfortunately, traffickers use a youth’s lack of confidence in their identity to mold and manipulate them into participating in the sex trade industry.
Identity provides us with a sense of confidence that allows us to stand ten toes down on the morals, values, and standards we have for ourselves. Without proper morals, values, and standards, we are prone to let others define who we are.
So let’s talk about the factors that impact our identity and increase our chances of being manipulated and taken advantage of by others:
Vulnerabilities:
a vulnerability is when you open up or expose something personal about yourself that could be used to hurt you—but it can also help build deeper connections.
Examples:
- Sharing your feelings with a friend makes you vulnerable because they could judge or reject you, but it also gives them a chance to support you.
- Admitting a mistake can feel uncomfortable, but it shows honesty and helps you grow.
Trusting someone new is a risk because they might not be trustworthy, but it’s also how friendships start.
Low Self-Esteem
Wanting to be loved/belong/accepted
Follow Cultural Trends
Abuse and/or Violence is normal in your home or community
Runaway & Foster Youth
Basic Needs Aren’t Met (Homeless, limited shoes/clothing, little/to no food)
Citizenship & Education Status
Single-Parent Household
Unhealthy attachments to the wrong people