Kia
Before she was even old enough to be a member of the Hope Center for Kids, Kia started coming to get help in the Education Center. She may hold the record of attendance, having attended Hope for more than ten years. You could say that Kia has grown up at the Hope Center. This spring she will graduate from high school and plans on attending college in the fall.
With the loving guidance of strong mom, Kia has weathered the tough times of living in the neighborhood. Though many around her turned toward the negative influences of gangs and drugs, Kia was grounded in the support of family, including her Hope family.
At the age of 15, she began working as a youth staff member. She soon became skilled in both administrative tasks and working with kids. Throughout high school, she has been an active member of ROTC. Her dream to someday work in the healthcare field has driven her to become trained in First aid, CPR, and recently she began CNA training. Whenever there is an emergency at the Hope Center, Kia is called to assist!
Kia has been an integral part of Hope. She entered and won the title of Miss Hope. She has attended college visits, participated in several plays, and most importantly has made the choice to be a positive young person in the community. The sky is the limit for Kia.
Michael
Michael was a very angry kid growing up without his father, desperately seeking his father’s approval and love. He began hanging out with the neighborhood gangs, and getting into a lot of trouble, but one night he made a decision that would change his life forever.
Michael and a group of gang members were involved in a drive-by shooting in which Michael was caught and sent to prison for a year. While in prison, he had a lot of time to reflect on his life and the poor choices he had made. He talked a lot about all the things he learned here at the Hope Center. Hope staff faithfully visited him on a regular basis. During the visits they spoke encouraging words, praying with and for him. Michael was looking at twenty years in prison, with the prayers and support of the Hope staff Michael received his second chance at freedom.
He was released from prison after a year, and has now been reunited with his father, and has been an active member at the Hope Center for Kids. He is back in school, and is working at the Hope Center. Michael we are very proud of you, keep moving forward. Michael has found HOPE.
