Who we are
Youth Venture began in 1992 when Mark Hoffman, founding pastor of Foothills Christian Church, saw a growing need: teenagers in San Diego needed a place to go and a chance to hear the life-changing message of the gospel. That vision led to the opening of the first YV Teen Center in El Cajon, CA.
As its influence spread, the ministry expanded. Today, we operate three centers throughout East County, serving thousands of teens annually. Beyond our local impact, we have also supported churches and organizations across the nation in launching their own teen centers.
Youth Venture began in the early 1990s with a simple vision: create a safe place where teens could belong, build real relationships, and encounter the hope of Jesus Christ. At the end of 1992, the first Youth Venture Teen Center opened its doors. What started as a single room filled with donated couches, a few arcade machines, and a handful of committed volunteers quickly became a lifeline for students seeking connection.
As more teens walked through the doors, it became clear that one center wasn’t enough. In 2000, Youth Venture launched its second center on Broadway, expanding its reach and strengthening its ability to mentor students one-on-one. Just two years later, in 2002, the Santee center opened, followed by Lakeside in 2004 and South El Cajon in 2005. Each location emerged from the same heartbeat: meet teens right where they are, build long-term relationships, and walk with them toward a life filled with purpose.
Today, Youth Venture Teen Centers stand as a network of safe, welcoming spaces for students across East San Diego County. Tens of thousands of conversations, meals, games, and moments of mentoring have taken place within these walls. What began as a small step of faith in 1992 has grown into a decades-long movement of volunteers and leaders dedicated to raising up the next generation.
History of Youth Venture
1992
Youth Venture opens its first Teen Center on Graves Ave in El Cajon, CA
