For Young People (FYP)

A safe place to find support and connection.

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Transportation
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For Young People (FYP) is a free, community-based program for students in grades 6-12, where young people find belonging and support as we walk alongside them in seeing and living their strengths.

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Refer Someone
Event Calendar
Special event Circles
Please enter the youth's full name.
Please enter the parent or guardian's full name.
Please enter the parent or guardian's phone number.
Please enter a valid email address.
Transportation
We have space for 10 in our van. First come, first served!
Please enter the youth's pickup address.
Bringing a friend?
Please enter the friend's name.
Van space is limited. First come, first served!
Please enter the friend's pickup address.

A full registration form must be completed before attending the event.

You're on the list!

Program Overview

The weekly program is held on Tuesdays at Faith Lutheran Church in Forest Lake, with transportation available for students who need it and live in the Forest Lake or North Branch area. Every program is staffed by background checked staff and volunteers to help ensure a safe and supportive environment, with approximately one adult for every ten students.

Weekly Schedule
5:30 to 6:30 p.m. — Student pick up
6:30 to 7:00 p.m. — Community building & free time
7:00 to 7:15 p.m. — Social Emotional Learning activity
7:15 to 8:30 p.m. — Circles
8:30 to 9:30 p.m. — Rides home

Circles

Circles gives teens a safe space to talk openly about what they are going through and the challenges they are facing. After time together as a larger group and a short lesson, teens break into smaller groups based on age and maturity level for deeper conversation and support.

In these smaller groups, teens check in by sharing their name, rating how their week is going, and naming three emotions they have felt during the week. They are then invited to share more about what is behind those feelings if they choose. This helps create a supportive environment where teens feel safe, heard, and encouraged by both peers and caring adult leaders.

Our FYP STaff

(click their pictures to watch their video)

Isaac Wheeler

Community Outreach Manager

Isaac is the Community Outreach Manager at Lakes Center for Youth & Families, where he oversees school and community partnerships, building and strengthening relationships that support For Young People (FYP) and expand opportunities for youth to thrive in the community they call home. He believes safe, dependable relationships with peers and trusted adults are foundational for every young person's growth and development.  

With an extensive background in youth development, Isaac brings years of mentoring experience and a thoughtful approach to developing programs that are developmentally appropriate and culturally relevant. He strives to help each young person he works with feel known, supported, and safe. 

Isaac also supports Lakes Center’s restorative justice work, helping young people navigate accountability, repair harm, and strengthen their connections to the community.  

Outside of work, Isaac enjoys a nice (preferably single-origin) cup of coffee and is a devoted sitcom watcher. He is also an incredibly average runner and completed the Twin Cities Marathon in the fall of 2025. 

Rachel Thoren

Youth Outreach Specialist

Rachel is the Youth Outreach Specialist with Lakes Center, serving with the For Young People (FYP) program. With many years of experience in youth leadership, mentoring, and family engagement, Rachel is passionate about building genuine relationships with young people and helping them feel known, valued, and supported. 

A big part of what draws Rachel to this work is the opportunity to meet young people where they are and help make meaningful opportunities and support more accessible. She believes that connection, encouragement, and a sense of belonging can go a long way as young people navigate the challenges, transitions, and growth that come with these years. Her approach is compassionate, curious, and relational, with a focus on building trust and letting each young person’s unique experiences, strengths, and needs guide the relationship. Rachel also supports and facilitates restorative practice work, including Circles and restorative justice efforts, and conducts outreach in schools and community settings to connect youth and families with Lakes Center services. 

Outside of work, Rachel enjoys spending time with family and friends, exploring hiking trails throughout Minnesota and beyond, and birding (yes, binoculars and all!). She’s also happiest when there is chocolate and coffee near by. 😊