Building a Better Life | Youth Spotlight

At just 13, Alex faced the unimaginable: the death of his father and, soon after, the incarceration of his mother.

Without a stable home, Alex struggled to survive, often resorting to stealing food just to be able to eat. “It was a way to survive,” he recalls, reflecting on a childhood that seemed to teach him only how to get by in desperate circumstances.

As a teenager, Alex found himself ensnared by the allure of unhealthy relationships and drugs, leading him down a path of run-ins with the law. “I was in a bad spot, making friends for the wrong reasons,” he admitted.

His turning point came unexpectedly through the bond he formed with his probation officer. “He believed in me,” Alex recalled. “He could have sent me away, but instead, he gave me chances.” With the officer's guidance, Alex discovered Youth Emergency Services (YES).

It was at YES’ Emergency Shelter that Alex felt an unfamiliar sense of welcome. “They actually asked me, ‘What do you need?’” he marveled. For the first time, Alex was offered not just a roof over his head, but a supportive community eager to help him rebuild his life.

Fueled by a family of supporters and advocates at YES, Alex began to envision a future beyond mere survival. “My biggest priority is finishing high school,” he said. With plans to study business management and finance, Alex aims to become the first in his family to attend college.

Now, with newfound purpose, Alex is determined to move forward with life—thanks to YES. “I remind myself how far I’ve come, and I won’t go back.”