This month, we’re proud to share the stories of two incredible youth who have shown remarkable determination in overcoming their past challenges and are now taking significant steps toward building a brighter future. Both of these youth have faced significant challenges and shown incredible resilience in their journey toward stability and success.
One youth had to navigate life on their own after being forced to leave home at 18, dealing with an unstable living situation. Despite these hardships, he earned his high school diploma through OCDE, volunteered at a local church, and secured work in the food service industry. The other youth has worked hard to overcome past struggles with substance abuse and justice involvement. He is now focused on building a more stable life, having recently secured housing for himself and his siblings. Despite these setbacks, they continue to push forward, actively looking for stable housing and employment opportunities.
Recently, both youth completed their basic security guard training, a significant milestone in their journey toward stability. Their instructor, who has been a guiding presence throughout the training, has played a crucial role in helping them build their confidence and skills. Mentorship has been a powerful tool for both of them, providing not just technical knowledge, but also a sense of community and support. The guidance and encouragement from their instructor have given them both the motivation to keep moving forward despite the obstacles they face.
As January is National Mentoring Month, we celebrate the impact that mentorship can have on young lives. For these youth, their instructor has been more than just a teacher; they’ve been a mentor, showing them that with hard work, determination, and the right support, they can overcome their challenges and achieve their goals. We are incredibly proud of both of these young individuals and look forward to seeing them continue to grow and succeed.
Their stories remind us of the power of persistence, the importance of community, and the life-changing impact of mentorship. We are honored to support these youth as they build their futures, one step at a time.