Youth Venture Site Directors

JD spent the later years of his childhood in Lakeside with his mother, stepfather, and sister, and first visited Youth Venture at age 12. He was lost, angry, and felt alone. Although he struggled with behavior early on, the staff consistently met him with grace, patience, and a commitment to help him grow. Over time, JD recognized his potential and the strong support system surrounding him.

JD became more involved with Youth Venture and Foothills Church and gave his life to the Lord in the spring of 2013. Twelve years later, he has had the honor of directing two centers and now leads the very center where his journey began. Outside of Youth Venture, JD has worked as a Behavioral Specialist and now serves as a Project Manager. Giving back through this ministry is one of the greatest honors of his life.

Donte Locke was born in Bakersfield, California, and raised in church, though he walked away from his faith as an adult. At age 27, the Holy Spirit began convicting his heart, and in 2009 God led him to Foothills Church. As a teenager, Donte was part of a youth group called Youth on Fire for God, where God first placed a calling on his heart for youth ministry. Because of that calling, Donte felt drawn to volunteer with Youth Venture, serving on and off for twelve years.

In 2023, God called Donte back to Youth Venture, and in November of that year he became the Broadway Site Director. He serves this ministry because it allows him to be the mentor he needed at that age and to invest in the next generation with purpose and compassion.

While attending Santana High School in Santee, California, Griffin found himself on a self-serving and destructive path. At age sixteen, God intervened and led him to Youth Venture, where he found a Christ-centered community and heard the Gospel that led to his salvation. After graduating, Griffin volunteered with Youth Venture on and off for eight years.

In August of 2023, Griffin was appointed Site Director of the same Youth Venture center that played a pivotal role in his coming to faith. He considers it both an honor and a responsibility to serve the town where he grew up and to glorify God by sharing the hope of the Gospel with the next generation.