Podcast

Darby Voeks

Darby Voeks

Darby Voeks is the Area Director at Crosstown Young Life, an organization dedicated to mentoring and supporting middle and high school youth in the Richfield, South Minneapolis, and Northeast Minneapolis areas. Under his leadership, Crosstown Young Life serves over 1,500 youth, partnering with multiple local churches and impacting countless young lives through mentorship, retreats, and community support initiatives. Beyond his work in youth development, Darby is passionate about leadership training, is an avid surfer and marathon runner, and is committed to helping people reach their fullest potential.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: 

  • [5:34] Why ministry in your own backyard matters more than distant missions
  • [7:40] Darby Voeks’ journey as Crosstown Young Life area director and leadership challenges
  • [10:04] Long-term trauma in youth after tragedy and the danger of moving on too quickly
  • [16:36] The importance of early mentorship and presence in middle school and high school years
  • [22:33] Why small daily generosity, like a dollar a day, can create real relational impact
  • [29:29] Power of knowing people by name and authentic human connection
  • [35:37] Darby talks about mentorship as a holy responsibility that shapes who young people become

In this episode…

Real change doesn’t always come from big stages or distant places. Sometimes it starts with ordinary people showing up consistently, right where they live. What would happen if generosity and mentorship became the heartbeat of our own neighborhoods?

For Darby Voeks, the answer is clear: transformation happens when adults choose to invest deeply and personally in young people before they’re written off. Drawing from his experience walking alongside middle and high school students, he explains that mentorship isn’t about fixing kids, but about being present long enough for trust to take root. When communities commit to that kind of local generosity, it doesn’t just change individual lives; it reshapes the future of the community itself.

In this episode of the Align & Abide podcast, Dr. Kim Tran is joined by Darby Voeks, Area Director at Crosstown Young Life, to discuss mobilizing local generosity and mentorship to empower youth. They explore why investing in your own backyard matters, how consistent mentors can change a young person’s trajectory, and the role businesses and churches play in sustaining youth-focused work. Darby also shares advice on practical ways anyone can start supporting and mentoring youth today.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Quotable Moments

  • “It doesn’t feel as glamorous to do ministry in your own backyard.” 
  • “There is nothing more important than who was there for you when you were younger, and nothing more damaging than who wasn’t.” 
  • “If you don’t love your kids, something else will.” 
  • “Giving back is important, but what about doing it when it’s not easy? What about volunteering and showing up in kids’ lives when it’s not easy?” 
  • “God doesn’t want generosity from us; God wants generosity for us.”

Action Steps

  1. Invest locally in youth mentorship: Consistently showing up for young people in your own community fosters trust, stability, and long-term transformation.
  2. Practice generosity even when it feels uncomfortable: Giving during uncertain seasons strengthens character and creates impact far beyond financial outcomes.
  3. Partner businesses with community ministries: When organizations align resources with local missions, they multiply influence and meet real, tangible needs.
  4. Be present before problems escalate: Early mentorship and care can prevent deeper crises by helping youth feel seen, valued, and supported.
  5. Commit to long-term involvement, not short-term emotion: Sustained engagement matters because healing and growth take time, not just initial enthusiasm.

Sponsor for this episode:

This episode is brought to you by Minnesota Family Chiropractic, a wellness clinic founded and led by Dr. Kim Tran. 

Dedicated to helping patients find lasting relief and vibrant health through chiropractic care, nutrition, and functional medicine, Minnesota Family Chiropractic is on a mission to transform lives — physically, mentally, and emotionally. 

Its Signature Wellness System focuses on whole-person care to address the root causes — not just the symptoms — so you can get back to living fully.

Ready to start your path toward better health? Visit MinnesotaFamilyChiropractic.com or call (612) 545-5672 to schedule your consultation and experience integrative, patient-centered care.