COEUR d'ALENE - Jeff Cheeseborough says that if he wrote a book, it would be called "From Laughter to Tears."

It's an appropriate title, since it's the blueprint he uses in his work as the only contracted juvenile detention center chaplain in Idaho.

Since 1993, more than 70,000 youths have been part of his voluntary Juvenile Justice Outreach program, which spreads hope through comedic storytelling and conversation.

"By being transparent and real, by being me, it opens up an opportunity for them to listen," Cheeseborough said. "If you're not an entertainer, how could you ever help them entertain what you really want to talk about?"

Cheeseborough said he uses his own story as an entry point. By being open and honest about his own past, the youths he works with are able to better identify with him.

"I had a rough childhood and I was involved in being a rebellious youth," Cheeseborough said. "When I decided to follow Jesus, I felt this calling on my life to give back to my population that I was involved with."

That calling shaped the next 31 years of Cheeseborough's life.

Prior to coming to Kootenai County in 1993, Cheeseborough spent the majority of his career working with gangs throughout California. In 1997, he obtained a contract with Kootenai County to serve as the chaplain at the juvenile detention center.

"We have an increasing number of kids that are falling through the cracks and are relationally impoverished," Cheeseborough said. "They have no direction and don't even know what motivates them. At $150 a day per kid at the detention center on average, I think we can spend much less and keep far more out of there than come in here. There's something wrong with our culture that locks up so many young kids."

According to Cheeseborough, being a chaplain at the center is a way to give these youth direction.

"They can share their story and then they see that there is a possibility that they can succeed in life," Cheeseborough said. "The majority of the kids I talk to, their response to me is 'Wow, I've never heard this before.' Which, whether they have or they haven't, it's kind of sad. But they recognize (it) and they come awake."

In getting troubled youth to wake up, Pastor Paul Van Noy, of Candlelight Christian Fellowship, said Cheeseborough provides a "vital" service to the community.

"You've got, let's just say, a 12-year-old kid who for the very first time in his life has gotten into trouble," Van Noy said. "He has been arrested and is inside of a very small jail cell. He is scared to death and the only people he is now exposed to are juvenile deputies. There is one person that has access to them that can provide some kind of hope or relief. That one person is Jeff."

About 16 percent of Cheeseborough's funding comes from a contract with Kootenai County Juvenile Probation. The other 84 percent comes solely from community donations.

On Jan. 3, Candlelight Christian Fellowship is hosting a fundraiser at the Coeur d'Alene Resort. The benefit, which begins at 6 p.m., features guest speaker Josh McDowell. All the proceeds will go to support Cheeseborough's Juvenile Justice Outreach.

For more information, or to reserve a seat, contact Kim at (208)772-7755.

"What he is doing literally changes the lives of young people that are otherwise totally desperate," Van Noy said. "People should be breaking down the doors to try to support this."

• Notes from our donors

Instead of buying items for each other that we either wouldn't want or need, we will make another much-needed donation to CFA. We sincerely hope everyone able can donate more as it seems the total given is way short of what is needed. Maybe not politically correct: We wish everyone a great "Merry Christmas."

THE DUSTY RHOADS FAMILY

God bless everyone involved in the Christmas for All fund drive. Our community is blessed because of all of those who are involved with this program.

GARY and ARLENE ANDERSON

We're glad we can help a little. The Hanleys were neighbors on A Street when they started this program many years ago.

BUD and EVIE OAKLAND

By the Numbers

Juvenile Justice Outreach since 1993

Youth Groups - 4,903

* 50 percent at juvenile detention center

Youth Attendance - 78,403

* 40 percent new attendees

* 37 percent female

* 67 percent at juvenile detention center

Mentoring Appointments - 12,682