SUCCESS STORIES

Boys House   Drop in Center   FOCUSED   Open Hands   
Learning Center    Young Adult Program   Tempe Youth Resource Center

F.O.C.U.S.E.D.

Jose was 16 years old when he entered the program. He arrived to the United States from El Salvador. He was fleeing harassment by gangs in El Salvador. The gangs in El Salvador would not let him attend school. They would push him around; they would try to intimidate him into joining the gangs. He decided to leave his country by way of train. He rode the trains from the south of Mexico to the north of Mexico. Jose was apprehended on the border of Mexico and Arizona. Jose was sent to our program where he initially was reserved and quiet. After a few weeks he flourished in school and here in the program. He was the first to want to help cook meals and to want to attend shows. Jose learned how to speak English fluently and he was excited to learn about our American culture. He was eventually adopted by a family in the United States. He still keeps in touch. Jose is attending school here in the United States and he is even more fluent in English. When he calls to say hello he catches some staff off guard because his English is so clear. His goal is to become a doctor and to help people in his country.

Boys House   Drop in Center   FOCUSED   Open Hands   
Learning Center    Young Adult Program   Tempe Youth Resource Center