Teenage boys and girls in the United States are facing challenges of epidemic proportions. According to recent statistics from National Adolescent Magazines and Newsletters, in the next 30 days in our country:

• Over 100,000 teens will run away from their homes
• Over 80,000 teenage girls will become pregnant
• Over 3.2 million teenagers will use drugs
• Over 40,000 teens will attempt suicide

Orange County's teens face these and many other challenges, including increasing levels of sexual activity, rampant alcohol abuse, troubles in school and chaos at home. And yet, support and resources to help teens in crisis in Orange County are declining. Sadly, Laurel House is one of only a few of these programs available to troubled teens and their families in all of Orange County!

Laurel House is a residential home for teenagers in crisis, offering temporary housing, professional counseling and support for teens in crisis and their families. We encourage family reconciliation and resolution by providing temporary residential care for teenagers, serving their physical, emotional and spiritual needs in a Christian homelike environment.

Our 20th Year
In 2005 Laurel House will celebrate its 20th anniversary serving troubled teens. Through God's grace, the efforts of supporters and committed staff, and the financial support of many individuals and organizations we have helped hundreds of teens and their families to overcome the challenges they face and rediscover hope for a life filled with love, dignity and opportunity. And, there is so much more to do!

Meeting the Increasing Needs
Our waiting list for teens seeking care is growing, and each month we have to turn away many teens and families who desperately need our help. While we cannot serve the needs of all of the teens and families in crisis in our county, we are committed to continuing to love and support as many as our resources will allow. To that end, we are excited to announce that in 2005 we plan to open a second home with all of the support and services that teens and their families have received in the past.

How You Can Help
Your prayer support and financial contributions will go a long way to helping to meet these growing needs. Whether providing one-time financial assistance for the purchase and furnishing of the second house or the upkeep of our original home, contributing to a special need or event for the teens, or providing monthly support for the ongoing program and house needs, your contributions of any amount will help us to continue to provide the vital support and services our teens so desperately need.