About Us
YWAM California and Santa Rosa
Youth With A Mission (YWAM) has been actively serving communities in California since the early 1970s. Beginning in 1972 with ministry efforts in Los Angeles, YWAM later expanded to Northern California. In November of 1987, John Dawson, along with the YWAM Los Angeles council and staff, commissioned and sent Dick and Pat Eachus to move north from the Southwest Regional headquarters to pioneer and establish YWAM Northern California. It was the relationships that had been built by Loren and Darlene Cunningham, the Dawson's and the Eachus’s that formed the foundation. In the late 1970's and early 1980's YWAM partnered with a church in Santa Rosa called Christian Life Center establishing a parallel program to YWAM's entry level course, the program was called Genesis. Many of those graduates, including John Dawson, went on to serve the Lord locally and globally. In 1988 through a partnership with the Springs of Living Water ministry, the northern base of YWAM Chico was established. In 1995, YWAM extended its reach to the San Francisco Bay Area, focusing on serving the homeless, seniors, and low-income families in the city’s Tenderloin district. Over the years, YWAM has remained dedicated to adapting and meeting the needs of communities across the state.
YWAM Santa Rosa as it is today, was founded in 2021 by two staff from YWAM Chico, beginning with prayer walks and community service initiatives throughout the city. In July 2024, a new leadership team stepped in, completing a leadership transition. While YWAM Santa Rosa operates as an independent 501(c)(3) registered charity, we serve alongside YWAM San Francisco as part of the North Bay region.
With a deep-rooted commitment to outreach, training, and community impact, YWAM Santa Rosa continues the mission of equipping individuals to serve both locally and globally, carrying forward YWAM’s legacy of transforming lives for over five decades in California.
Vision
Our vision is a growing Christ-like community that reflects God’s transformative love within Sonoma County and beyond.
Mission
Our mission is to serve as a catalyst for God’s work by collaborating with others — discipling and equipping them to form a generation of believers and cultivate a vibrant, image-bearing community.
Values
1. Christ-Centered Living: We rely on God, grounded in His Word, led by His Spirit, united in Christ, and live devoted to obeying His truth, being humble learners and walking together in love.
2. Disciple-Making: We value intentional spiritual growth in ourselves and others to develop Christ-like character through the maturation of faith and equipping the community through mentoring, teaching, and depth of relationship.
3. Authentic Community: We honor and recognize the cultural expressions from around the world as bearing God’s image. We create belonging and connection through a welcoming, thoughtful space where people are valued, loved, forgiven, and formed while acknowledging those distinct heritages.
4. Missional: We serve Sonoma County and beyond with compassion, generosity, and collaboration, bringing the love of Christ and His message into everyday life.
5. Integrity: We pursue honesty, transparency, and moral character in all areas of life and leadership, pursuing moral courage in the choices we make.
6. Excellence: We give our best in all we do—as an act of worship and a reflection of God's worth.
7. Worship & Prayer: We are dedicated to worship God and engage in intercessory prayer as integral aspects of daily life for the people and causes on God’s heart.
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These values are specific to Ywam Santa Rosa location but are inline and consistent with YWAM's Foundational Values.
Our Story
Taking on the leadership of YWAM Santa Rosa was never something any of us expected, but as a team, we have seen God’s hand guiding us every step of the way. Each of us has spent many years serving in YWAM, in different places and capacities, learning what it means to disciple, serve, and build communities rooted in Christ. When God began to stir our hearts for Santa Rosa, we knew He was calling us to something new—a shared mission to see His Kingdom advance in this city.
Our journey here began with prayer. Before we took on leadership, our predecessors walked the streets of Santa Rosa praying for transformation. Following in their footsteps, we began asking God to show us His heart for this place. What we saw was a city full of potential—a city with deep needs, but also a hunger for something more. We knew God wasn’t just calling us to a ministry; He was calling us to a people, to relationships, to long-term investment in this community.
As a team, we have spent many years in YWAM, leading training schools, engaging in outreach across the world, and equipping young leaders. We have seen firsthand what happens when people encounter Jesus and step into their calling. Now, we bring those experiences to Santa Rosa, believing that God is preparing the way for transformation here, just as He has in so many places before.
In July 2024, our leadership transition was completed, and we officially stepped into leading YWAM Santa Rosa. We don’t take this responsibility lightly—we know that pioneering a new season in this city will require perseverance, faith, and a deep dependence on God. But we also know that He is the one who has brought us here, and He will be faithful to complete the work He has begun.
Our vision is clear: YWAM Santa Rosa is a place where people will encounter Jesus and be equipped to impact the world. We are committed to walking this journey together, trusting in God’s provision, and seeing lives transformed in Santa Rosa and beyond.
As we step forward, we invite others to join us—whether through prayer, partnership, collaboration, or hands-on involvement. This is just the beginning, and we believe God is building something here.
