Desert Reach: Transforming lives of Maryvale’s Youth

With a vision of hope and a heart for troubled youth the Friess Family Foundation makes a strong commitment to the Maryvale section of Phoenix, Arizona.  Seen by many in the Valley of the Sun as a community on the ‘other side of the tracks’, Maryvale’s youth face immense challenges that come with living in an inner-city.

Fueled by the belief that, “The difference between a child who makes it and one who doesn’t is one caring adult,” one-on-one mentoring remains a primary focus of the Friess Family Foundation.  Providing the initial grant for the state-of-the-art YMCA in Maryvale (read article here), Lynn and Foster continue their involvement with the Maryvale community.  

Across the street from Maryvale’s new YMCA is Catalyst Church.  Under the guiding hand of its youthful lead pastor, Samson Dunn, Catalyst Church serves as the cornerstone undergirding many excellent programs for families and young people of the community.   Samson’s mission is simple:  Reach people for Jesus Christ; Teach believers to become disciples; and Send disciples to impact their world.  As Samson says, “Reach, Teach and Send”. 

Raised in an urban, inner-city himself, Samson Dunn knows all too well the challenges of ‘street life’.  From gangs to drugs to violence, the temptation to Maryvale’s youth is daunting.  Yet, as Pastor Samson says, “We need to provide positive guidance and direction for our young people – they are our future.  I just thank God that they’re also my passion.” 

In addition to tripling the size of Catalyst Church in 2 years, Samson spearheads a mentoring ministry that reaches out to Maryvale’s youth.  Desert Reach is an outreach program targeting teenagers with interactive, fun-filled activities intended to draw them away from the perils of the streets and towards a positive one-on-one relationship with a mentor and Jesus Christ.  Samson’s team builds trust and respect with their teenagers and focus their efforts on investing in the lives of their mentees. 

Kids walking the razor’s edge now have a fair chance at productive, meaningful life, setting a new standard for their community.  This beneficial Private Sector Solution for our society comes at the hands of willing volunteers who step up to invest time, energy and funds in tomorrow’s leaders.