When I think about the impact of our 1,000 Kids Known by Name initiative, I immediately think of
Emery.

Emery is a sophomore at Saint Stephens High School who one of our leaders, Kallie, met this past
year because of the intentional push to meet new students by name. Kallie has shared that she
felt nervous and unsure the first time she met Emery at a football game. However, week after
week, she continued to see Emery on campus and at school events and by remembering her
name, she began to build trust.

That simple act opened the door for Emery to ask why Kallie was there and why she remembered
her name. From that conversation, Kallie invited Emery to Young Life club, where she has since
become a regular attendee.

Today, Kallie and Emery meet most weeks to talk about life and the challenges Emery is
navigating. In those moments, Kallie has been able to share the hope, peace, and joy found in the
Gospel. Over the course of the semester, Emery’s curiosity about Jesus has grown, and she has
begun asking questions about what it means to follow Him, especially in light of the hypocrisy she
has seen in the world around her.

Emery’s story is still being written, but it began with something simple and intentional: asking her
name and remembering it. This is the heart of our ministry and the impact made possible through
the 1,000 Kids Known by Name initiative.

Catawba Valley Young Life is a faithful partner of The Bolick Foundation