“iSSACHAR is the foundation of what I still live by. I learned to understand myself and my strengths, and then my work in Young Life steered and nurtured me. I think back to Vic, Q, Scott, Albus, Jennifer, and others, and at least three times a week, I still think about the U-shaped journey that Jeff taught at iSSACHAR. That model has sustained me as a leader. iSSACHAR gave me a foundation of grace and empathy to care deeply about diverse people and the understanding I needed as a father.”

“From the first semester, when we did assessments, I’ve benefited from the equipping and coaching at iSSACHAR. Greg Fuchs led professional and spiritual assessments, Lauri connected me with a research role at the Anschutz Center in 2013. Sandy guided my walk with God and taught me spiritual discernment. Steve’s coaching affirmed that I was in the right place. My passion is the creativity within science, especially as it serves immigrant communities. iSSACHAR encourages leaders to use their strengths to pursue workplaces where they thrive.”

“iSSACHAR was such a huge thing early on because I didn’t know what to expect in my life. I thought music would be the end all be all. Issachar pushed me to pursue my calling and go to Nashville. I had great opportunities but it took a toll on my family. I needed to build a more stable and sustainable career, so I worked from a warehouse job into a coding and software development job serving churches across the country. I may not run a community center, but I know music and software. Both (music and coding) are ways to create and tell stories, and I help people and organizations with those gifts. I’m working now on an idea to teach coding to people of color. We’re all part of the same Body - maybe I’m the foot or knee! People often tell me that there’s something different about me - in the way that I treat people, understand culture, and care for those who are homeless and marginalized. I credit that to the way I was equipped at iSSACHAR.”

“iSSACHAR is where I became a Christian, and it provides a great space for young leaders to figure out their spiritual journey. The iSSACHAR Center, Save Our Youth, and Mile High Ministries have made a great impact on me, my wife, and our family, and we believe in their work. I now serve on the board because of iSSACHAR’s legacy in our city, and I want it to keep growing as a place where young leaders develop the skills and character to show up and lead in any room of our city.”