Shooting For The Moon

A Story From One of Our Alumni

He was referred to us by Neighborhood Court, and although I was excited to hear he was coming, I was a little concerned about what we would find.  When he came in there was a strong smell of cigarettes, beer or both.  He was 21 and you could tell he was unkempt.  Gradually he shared with me that he was a couch surfer - a homeless youth.  Yet, he was working the grave-yard shift for a fast food service the past year and a half.  

He told me the story of how one day he got off work with $6 in his pocket and decided to go to a bar for a beer.  After all it was the middle of the day for him even though it was close to 6:00am!  There were a few people inside the bar and they started buying him beer and continued to do so until he left.  Staggering down the street, he soon passed out onto the sidewalk where the police picked him up, took him to jail and he ended up in Neighborhood Court.  

As I looked and listened to this young man, I saw something special about him.  He’s an example of someone who needs direction and support.  I shared a little about my personal story with him; but mostly I talked about All Leaders Must Serve.  I learned that this young man has never known his father.  His mother had been laid off from Walmart some time ago and she was on the verge of homelessness.  He was the only working person in his entire family – but he wouldn’t go home.  He said it wasn’t a good place to live.  He implied that he gives almost all his money to his mom because he worries about his family and that he had a lot of anxiety and depression.

After our interview he asked me to sign off his paperwork to prove he had come by.  Then he told me that he had also decided to join our program because he felt “he really needed it.”  I wasn’t sure he would actually show up; but on the appointed night of session, he arrived at the clubhouse on time.  

He told me that he would probably only stay until 7:30 because he was working that night. So, I was pleasantly surprised when he really participated in the session and stayed until we ended at 8:00pm.  He had no problem hanging around to enjoy a hot meal before leaving, as well as visiting with the mentors and other participants.  It was clear he was having a good time.  I imagine it was probably the safest, warmest and nicest place he had been in for a long time – maybe ever.  I felt very positive about this young man and grateful that he could meet mentors who are available to offer him wise counsel, an opportunity for a better career and support for a better life.  No matter what happens from here, he knows where to find people who really care and are willing to help.  That’s what we do.  

Jayne Williams

Executive Director