Meet Danna ... Young Life staff ... recruits and trains new volunteer leaders

Danna, 'the silver fox', second from left

My name is Danna and I am on the Jacksonville Young Life staff. I have been with Young Life forever … seriously! ... Well, it seems like it. (It's in my blood.)

I came to faith at a Young Life property in Colorado after my senior year in high school. (1966…see what I mean?) Though I have served in direct ministry for the last 14 years with Stanton Young Life (and various other Jacksonville high schools prior to that time), my role right now is primarily area leadership development and adult guest program recruitment both of which are things I have a passion for and have fun doing.

While serving at Stanton in the mid 90's, kids dubbed me "The Silver Fox" which I thought was a pretty cool nickname until I found out it is also the name of a strip bar on the Northside … but whatever the reason, people still call me this. I've also been called "the pit bull" b/c of my determination (shall we say "stubbornness"?) when I'm serious about something.

I have been married for close to 37 years to a Renaissance man who is brilliant and principled and looks like Sean Connery (especially now that he has a beard!). Our son Dan is a musical and comedic genius who makes me laugh. I am crazy about both of these men! (… how did I get so lucky?!)

I also love this ministry and these are the reasons why:

• the absolutely incredibly wonderful and diverse people (leaders, staff, kids, committee, parents) that Young Life attracts and that I get to work with (...see attached photos)
• the humor in YL (I need it b/c I take myself way too seriously!)
• it strengthens my faith. I get to watch (and sometimes even be a part of) the amazing and always surprising way God works in peoples' lives (especially kids and leaders). Seeing them "get it" and want to give their faith away to others makes me believe in God all over again!