Providing Chaplaincy to Youth and Young Adults Marginalized in King County

About the Book

Many young people in King County, Washington, are not connected to churches, schools, workplaces, and other organizations.

Many of them live in poverty—and they also lack education, skills, and spiritual care. They can be seen as dropouts from school and as homeless persons sleeping on business doorsteps, under trees, on sidewalks, and elsewhere.

In this thesis project, Julie Lamay Vaughn, founder of Hope Angels Ministry, argues that marginalization occurs when people are systematically excluded from meaningful participation. As a result, they never get the chance to fulfill themselves as human beings. 

The thesis project seeks to answer questions such as:
• What are King County community leaders doing to help young adults who are marginalized?
• Why are young people marginalized in a variety of situations?
• What emotional and spiritual needs are being left unfilled?

Lamay also shares qualitative and quantitative data as well as interviews from marginalized individuals. As a result of her findings, she will be equipped to provide greater spiritual care to those who need it the most.

About the Author

Julie Lamay Vaughn holds a doctor of ministry in pastoral theology and practice from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. She has been a chaplain for more than twelve years and has taught pastoral care in community settings locally and nationally. She has broad interest and experiences in the health care field, including clinics, hospitals, nursing homes, and street ministry. She also earned a master’s in divinity and a master’s in Christian education from Virginia Union University, Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology.