Adopt-a-kid program
The “Adopt-A-Kid” program is designed to educate the community about the trials facing our at-risk youth, while providing an opportunity to financially support the programs and services provided by Life House. Each month, we're featuring a different Life House teen by telling their unique stories and the role that Life House has played in changing their lives. Below you will see the stories of our current Life House youth. For more success stories, visit our 2011 Adopt-A-Kid yearbook.
For as little as $29 a month, you can “adopt” some of the needs of a Life House youth. That amount can go towards necessities like hot meals, personal hygiene or even bus fare to get to school. The estimated annual cost per youth supported by Life House programs is $1,500. You can open doors for a local youth. Use the button at right to donate now.
February Feature: TJ's Story
"Life House is the best thing that's ever happened to me. They showed me good things to do with life rather than the streets."
TJ, age 19, has called the streets "home" for many years. As a child, sirens and gunshots replaced bedtime stories and lullabies. He lost any motivation to live a sober, productive life. Instead, he turned to violence and drugs, and he dropped out of school. With no job to support himself, TJ moved in with his brother. But that connection wasn't enough to break old habits, and he found his way to the streets again.
TJ decided to go to Life House after hearing about it from friends. He wanted to "check it out" because he was tired of street life. Today, TJ is working on getting his GED. He is taking classes to learn about job hunting, housing, and overall wellness. All of these classes have improved his motivation toward making a better life for himself.
"Life House is a good place to get help with whatever you need."
Our Featured Kids
January - Kayla's Story
“Before Life House, I was out running the streets, homeless, going back and forth from foster home to foster home.”
As a child, Kayla was exposed to drugs and chaos. With few caring adults in her life, Kayla often acted out in unhealthy ways. She was getting into fights, skipping school, stealing, and taking drugs.
Kayla’s unhealthy choices made it hard for her to keep safe. As a single mom at age 20, Kayla became homeless and lost her son to Child Protective Services with little hope of ever getting him back.
“Without Life House, I’d probably be very sick or dead. That was before I found out there are people who care.”
While couch hopping, Kayla heard about Life House from a friend. Reluctant at first, she eventually gave Life House a try. Today, Kayla credits that decision with making a dramatic change in her life.
“Life House stuck by me the whole time. They helped me find an apartment, a job, and are even helping me get into college.”
Over the years, Kayla participated in several of the programs offered by Life House. She has completed her GED, and found the help and support she needed to become a positive, healthy adult. Most importantly, Kayla has her son back.
“My son came home as of September 1, 2011. Life House still continues to push me and support me as much as possible.”
To view the stories of other Life House youth, click here to view our 2011 "Adopt-A-Kid" Yearbook.
For more information about Life House and the “Adopt-A-Kid” program, contact Kim Crawford or Jeff Woolverton or call 218-722-7431. To make a donation online, click the button below.
