VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) — Making new friends and connections come easy to some, but for others, it can be a challenge, and Young life Capernaum is there to help those who may struggle to find those deep connections while offering a welcoming environment for all. “Kids can come and be kids, where they’re known by leaders. Where they get to have social interactions, get to have fun, and get to experience joy," said Stafford Craymer, Young Life Virginia Beach North and Capernaum area director. While Young Life Capernaum focuses on the youth, they also have the Friends for life program, which helps young adults with disabilities who may need a helping hand. “In the state of Virginia, kids with disabilities can go and receive services by the state until they are 22 years old. After that, many many things just fall of and drop for kids and families. We have scholarships for any student or family that has a financial need.”  Christiana Hedrick, who will join the Friends for life program once she reaches 22 says her time with YLC has been instrumental in helping her become who she is.  “For me, I was a little bit nervous about making new friends," she said, "but I got confidence and made new friends because I have to be brave." 10 On Your Side caught up with Christiania’s mom, Carine, who said that “I want other parents in Hampton Roads to know how wonderful this program is at providing a safe, loving environment & how attentive YLC staff and volunteers are to every child’s specific needs so that they all have the chance to feel included amongst their peers, to make new friends and to just have fun."  And for Christiana, Carine Hedrick said YLC "feels like a family." Young Life Capernaum is almost entirely made up of volunteers, and members of the community just looking to help. If you’d like to get involved with Young Life Capernaum or the Friends for Life program, click here. ...read more read less