In a recent interview, Terry Cole shared how Street Youth Ministry began in 2008 after five years of volunteering with other ministries serving homeless young adults.

Rather than launching a large program all at once, the ministry grew slowly by noticing what young adults were missing and adding one thing at a time. Friday outreach when other services were closed. A safe place for Bible questions. Prayer. Clothing. Job search guidance. Games. Talent sharing. Over time, each became a weekly part of ministry life.

Terry explained that while food, clothing, and supplies remain important, the most valuable thing they offer is guidance counseling. It takes time and patience, but he described it as the one product that changes lives most deeply because it helps young adults survive, identify hurt, heal from trauma, move forward, and reconnect with society.

He also shared that his background as an electrical engineer shaped the way he approaches ministry. Before founding Street Youth Ministry, he helped design systems used globally, including work connected to WiFi and DSL standards. That same problem solving mindset now helps him build practical systems that serve nearly 500 young adults each year.

What stands out throughout the interview is the long term consistency behind the work: stable adults, reliable presence, and patient support in a world where many young adults have experienced the opposite.