“Fidel Martinez received his diploma yesterday at our school board meeting.

 This is such an accomplishment and his mentor Jessica was able to be there to support him. He has worked so hard and never gave up even when it was difficult. We are so proud of you Fidel!”

WHAT THE COMMUNITY DOESN’T SEE

I first came to know about Allison through the counseling department at the high school where I was volunteering. I was told that Allison’s mom was living in a nursing home due to a stroke, had lost their home and Allison was living with a boyfriend. The counselor also told me that Allison was diagnosed with “stress-induced seizers”. I thought, “Wow! This is tragic!”

I called Allison in to my office to meet her and introduce myself. Allison was a stunning young woman, but I remember how sad she was and how quickly the tears came. Actually, thinking back on my time with Allison, there were a million tears shed in my office. She started telling me her story, but of course the story is always go so much deeper than first revealed. With the initial meeting, I remember writing down, “Will be homeless if boyfriend kicks her out.“ Well, it wasn’t long before I received the phone call; the boyfriend had hit her and kicked her out. I told her to pack her things and she could come stay at my house for a while. Allison was barely 17, no car, no drivers license an no job! …See More