Providing Funding to Empower Young Adults

The 2025/26 Hanna Grant Provides Funding to Empower Young Adults

Young Adults Rise (YAR) is a ministry of Mount Hermon UMC in Mount Jackson, Virginia, that helps young adults build meaningful community, life skills, and a sense of purpose. Adopted by the Shenandoah River District as a lay mission, YAR supports twentysomethings navigating challenges such as isolation, mental health struggles, and uncertainty about the future. Through weekly gatherings, participants develop lasting relationships, identify personal goals, and gain practical skills that help them thrive in everyday life.

YAR combines mentorship, discussion and hands-on community involvement to help participants grow personally and spiritually. Activities include shared meals, workshops on communication, wellness, financial literacy and healthy relationships, as well as volunteer projects and partnerships with local organizations. Participants are encouraged to discover how they can contribute to something larger than themselves while building confidence and resilience.

The program is free to attend and relies on grants and donations to provide meals, speakers, facilitators and program resources. YAR has been warmly embraced by both participants and the wider community, creating an open and supportive environment where young adults feel connected, valued and empowered for the future. For some participants, YAR has become a turning point — helping them find direction, build confidence, strengthen relationships and feel a renewed sense of hope and belonging. Others have discovered new ways to serve their community and pursue goals they once felt were out of reach.