Serving youth: Schefflers turn dream into reality

Lovell youth have a new place to spend some free time – drink a soda or perhaps play a game with a friend.Two years ago the Bible Church bought the property at 343 Park Ave. adjacent to the high school parking lot in Lovell. The church wasn’t sure what they wanted to do with the property other than they wanted it to be of service to the community’s young people.Last spring ideas began to surface. In order for a chapter of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) to form in Lovell they would need a meeting place. A request also came from Wil Zolman, LHS ag teacher, asking if the building would be available for a number of his students who would like to eat their lunch there while planning events. The property became a hospitality house for high schoolers during lunch hour.[caption id="attachment_10311" align="alignright" width="285"] Dave and Lori Scheffler pose in front of the new youth house on the east side of the Lovell High School campus, where they will serve kids from all walks of life.
David Peck photo[/caption]Dave and Lori Scheffler were surprised when their pastor, Rev. Kurt McNabb, called to say a couple would be needed to manage and develop a program for the youth house, and he thought they were the right couple for the job.The Schefflers are not newcomers to Lovell. Lori was raised here and Dave came here as a young college graduate from Michigan following a job lead. Although the job didn’t pan out, Dave never returned to Michigan. Instead, he met Lori Minchow and in 1983 they were married. They raised four children, Tim, Shelli, Kristen and Joshua. All the Scheffler kids were involved in sports and other activities, so it was natural for the entire family to become involved in the school and community.Once their children were raised Dave and Lori realized they had two assets they wanted to put to use. They had a huge desire to help other young people mature and find their dreams in life. And, now they had time to do it.“We love the kids in this town,” Lori said. “Being able to host some of them during their free time would be incredible and a great opportunity. And hopefully we will be able to develop the kind of relationships that will allow us to encourage kids to pursue great dreams and make good choices.”The Schefflers have much experience working with youth. Dave taught for 12 years – eight in a private school and four years in Grass Range, Mont., combined with 25-plus years of coaching varsity track, volleyball and basketball in Illinois, Montana and Wyoming. He plans to continue as an assistant coach for the Lovell High School girls basketball team.Lori has been involved at many levels in the community. She served as president of the chamber of commerce board, refereed volleyball and has been a Relay for Life organizer. She has taught preschool for 21 years, which she will continue to do.When asked why they would leave managerial jobs of more than 20 years – Dave at Minchow’s Sinclair and Lori at the Food Court – and move from their home to the youth house, Lori said, “It’s the right time. We have a desire to work with kids, to guide them and encourage them. It just felt right. We never felt ‘no.’ This is good.”Years ago the Schefflers wanted to open a game room to keep kids off the street. They were never financially able to do it. “Things we talked about back then are wrapped up in this,” Dave said, smiling at Lori.Although it may not be completely finished, the youth meeting room will be open Monday, Sept. 21, at lunchtime and after school for kids to do homework or for challenging a friend to a game of chess, ping-pong or perhaps take a turn at the 1960s pinball machine.Future plans include after-game activities, going fishing and hiking, doing some photography and taking in Christian music concerts.By Teressa Ennis