Starting in 1944 through the efforts of 6 Chicago and Detroit area pastors, Youth for Christ continues to shine as a leading force in reaching lost and hurting young people with the Gospel message of Jesus Christ.  From the early days of the Saturday rally's, where YFC's first young evangelist named Billy Graham got his start, through the troubling years of the 60's and the founding of Campus Life, into the present day of the 21st Century, YFC continues to live up to the early motto of the founding fathers, "Geared to the times, but anchored to the Rock."

More locally, Youth for Christ Central Valley was started in 1946 as Turlock, Modesto, Merced Youth for Christ and all three of those areas are being served today through a variety of classic and likewise cutting edge models of ministry. Our specific areas of ministry include Family Concern Counseling, Teen Moms, Juvenile Justice ministry, VORP – Victim Offender Reconciliation Program, Tapestry – a youth church, Campus Life – which focuses on building relationships with teens on their school campuses, and our Mentoring program which pairs students with caring adult mentors.  Lead by Executive Director Rev. Rick J. Fritzemeier, the Youth for Christ staff team (9 full time & 2 part time) combines over 100+ years of ministry expertise and is complemented by a local Board of Directors/Trustees, and nearly 200 volunteers.