Emmanuel Graduates!

In May of 2009, Emmanuel was referred to Ettie Lee's Santa Ana home at age 17. He had very few high school credits at this time. He was so far behind that he had almost given up on the belief that he could graduate at all. Encouraged by the support he received from the on grounds school staff, Emmanuel started to believe in himself.

One of Ettie Lee's staff members described it as Emmanuel being able to allow the sun to shine through his clouds of doubt. Emmanuel not only started earning credits, he was earning them at an accelerated rate. It was at this time that he was transferred to Ettie Lee's North Hollywood Home (typically for older boys who are in transition to adulthood) where he would be able to recieve much needed independent living skills training.

Really motivated, and now enrolled in the local school from 7:45 AM to 6:00 PM, he was able to catch up to the other seniors and in his first semester earned straight A's! Emmanuel graduated North Hollywood High School in June 2010. Thirty days later Emmanuel was accepted into a transitional housing program where he will continue to work and grow.

to help out boys like Emmanuel and our after-care program please donate today

Tyler's Struggle... And Recovery

Tyler, age 17, never knew his father and watched his mother take her last breath about five years ago. As a result, Tyler turned to drugs and became an addict, specifically a meth addict - he was actually injecting meth into his veins. He stole from his family, his friends and strangers to support his habit. It was then that Tyler was referred to Ettie Lee Youth & Family Services. After arriving at Ettie Lee's Mt. Jurupa Home, he was unsure of himself. He could not look to the future and didn't know if he would ever be welcomed back into his family...

Sober since April, Tyler has gained weight and now shoes his bright smile. His family just recently came to visit him and was amazed how well Tyler has changed for the better. For the first time in a long while, Tyler is thriving and doing exactly what he should be doing - getting grief counseling, going to school and staying out of trouble. Tyler is now looking forward to reunifying with his aunt and grandmother. Tyler has even earned the privilege of the coveted Honor Room at Mt. Jurupa due to his progress and attitude.

to help out Tyler and children like Tyler, click here to donate now