'A huge blessing to the community'

The front end of Jeff Cheeseborough's 34-year juvenile detentions chaplaincy was spent in Southern California, a locus of youth gang activity.

It was the 1980s when two prominent rival gangs, the Bloods and Crips, waged a conflict which essentially turned small pockets of the region into war zones.

Of the thousands of embattled teens who trickled through Cheeseborough's program, some were able to escape those ravages and live prosperous lives. Some weren't as fortunate.

The 62-year-old Post Falls man recalls a case in which a "hardcore" gang member had completely turned his life around before becoming a church pastor.

Cheeseborough has also seen former addicts flourish and former prostitutes grow to become caring parents and loving spouses.

This is the line of work God called him to do, Cheeseborough said, though all his mentorship ever did was help set the tee.

It's the kids who ultimately decide to swing.

"I strongly believe I cannot fix anyone or change anyone, but I can be an influence," Cheeseborough said. "For me, using the gospel, and to be available and accessible is very important. You want to make that connection and build those relationships. "

Since making the move to the Gem State in 1993, he's helped thousands of local at-risk youths get on the straight and narrow through both his efforts at the District 1 Juvenile Detention Center and his Juvenile Justice Outreach program.

However, just 26 percent of his funding comes from the Detention Center. The rest is pooled together from private donations, including Outreach's annual fundraising dinner.

The fifth annual dinner, hosted by Candlelight Christian Fellowship, will take place Friday, Feb. 3, at The Coeur d'Alene Resort. The dinner will also include live music, an auction and keynote speakers.

The price is $125 a plate and $1,000 for those interested in sponsoring a table.

Cheeseborough, who also works in concert with the Kootenai County Probation Department, takes on a laundry list of duties. He does screening, scheduling, supervising, organizes group activities, and is also an engaging speaker, often referencing his own troubles as a child.

According to Linda Hoss, assistant director at the District 1 Juvenile Detention Center, Cheeseborough has a palpable love for the job.

"The kids are very responsive to him," Hoss said. "He always makes himself available. He's very passionate about working with the youth. He takes ownership in helping them become better people."

Candlelight Pastor Paul Van Noy, who also noted Cheeseborough is a missionary, echoed Hoss.

"He's been involved in young people's lives for a long time. He has a knack for reaching into their lives and ministering them where they have great need," Van Noy said. "Some of these kids come from parents who battle addiction or who are abusive. Jeff is just a huge blessing to our community, a real mentor and lover of souls."

Cheeseborough said most of North Idaho's juvenile trouble stems from abuse or neglect at home.

Hoss said the man has gone out of his way to help other staff members and as far as helping less fortunate juveniles have a memorable Thanksgiving.

Cheeseborough is also a compassionate chaplain. When a local teen committed suicide, Hoss said, Cheeseborough made himself available to the grieving kids in his program, meeting them all individually.

"I know what I do matters," said Cheeseborough, who also has a group of volunteers. "I haven't looked back since I started. It's been quite an adventure."

IF YOU GO

What: Fifth Annual Juvenile Justice Outreach Fundraiser Dinner

Where: The Coeur d'Alene Resort

When: Friday, 6 p.m.

Tickets are $125 per plate and space is still available. For more information, contact Candlelight Christian Fellowship at 772-7755