The LEO Project

Originally, “LEO” was developed to get the 70+ youth we regularly work with back into school and off of the streets. We have kept our doors open and staff available for games, prayer, bible study, arts & crafts, and to facilitate dance teams and basketball & soccer clubs. We have been able to help some return to school (mostly the younger ones), but the Lord has given us an even bigger & better strategy.

We are opening a school which will include tutoring and trade programs. This will allow us to meet students right where they're at and propel us toward the vision of seeing kids who live life on the street get better care and see hope for their future. Community members have reached out offering to teach carpentry, cosmetology, baking, bead crafting and computer tech as soon as we have a place for them. In addition to the tutoring and trade programs, this school will include basic math & reading, Bible classes and life skills mentorship.

We have already seen so much change in these kids. They look up more, smile, care more about their personal hygiene, are more creative and are not getting into as much trouble. They have even started calling themselves the LEO Family. This has been done simply by giving them a voice and letting them know they have value! Imagine the impact this will be, not only for them as individuals, but also their families, community and their generation!

“We are so grateful for the LEO Program which helps us see opportunities that we didn’t have before. Some of us are school dropouts, many never went to school. Now we are able to see that there are still opportunities for us.”

— LEO Program Participant

We just signed contract for purchase in Nov 2023 for a property on the edge of town. It includes a fully functional school facility complete with a kitchen, dining area, an auditorium, dorm rooms, showers and plumbed bathrooms. In addition to this, we will also take possession of the sister property where the former school town office was originally located.

We invite you to partner with us as we prepare to move into our new facilities! We have made our first down payment but will not be able to move in to

the school facility until we are able to put down more.

The total purchase amount needed is $155,000.

YWAM Chico Giving | YWAM Chico

In honor of Pastor Leo Neff

“Becoming the hands of Jesus to the “least of these” who feel very unseen and unloved.”