Melwin's Story
What makes a foster youth resilient? What drives a young man to want to continue on with his goals and not allow his neighborhood, friends, or family to deter him from the “big picture?” Melwin has come to realize that there were specific people in his life that had a purpose and pointed him in the right direction. From the moment that Melwin found out about First Place he kept on wondering ”could this be true?” and “what did they want in return?” It was quite simple, of course…First Place wants for all foster youth to make the most of their two years in program and enjoy bigger and better things.
Melwin came into First Place with his car and clothes. He was asked to leave his home at an early age and started to live with people until his time came to move onto the next couch. During one of the most unstable times in his life, Melwin decided to go back to high school. One day in class, a girl that knew about First Place told Melwin to check it out. Melwin knew that he had nothing to lose considering that at this point he was living in his car. Melwin came to see the only expectation that First Place had was for youth to succeed. Nothing more and nothing less….
Since being a part of the My First Place housing program Melwin has completed high school and maintained working at 24 Hour Fitness on the graveyard shift. For the last 6 months he attended high school and worked non stop and is now reaping the benefits of his hard work. Melwin had the opportunity to attend his senior prom and his graduation, as any “normal” high school youth. The factor that stable housing plays in our youth lives is remarkable and is the critical difference between someone who loses their motivation and way.
Staff are sad that Melwin will not be in this program for two full years. But he will be leaving with our blessing and support as he moves out of the Bay Area to attend Missouri State University. Melwin never had any idea that he would graduate from high school much less attend a four-year university. The strides this young man has made will never be forgotten. Melwin still remembers having to live in his car and being forced to attend school early to ensure that he had a warm shower. Now, he has the opportunity to not only work on his educational and career goals but he also has the support of First Place, and for that he is grateful.