CAREFREE TO CONCERNED
Edward reminisces about his childhood like a scene straight out of The Sandlot—zipping around the neighborhood with his pals, a latchkey kid living the dream until the streetlights chimed in like a curfew alarm. But at 13, the fantasy took a nosedive when his parents decided to split. Suddenly, the carefree days were overshadowed by a whirlwind of wild parties blasting Santana, and the not-so-fun antics of drugs and heavy drinking.
As a young teenager, Edward formed a tight-knit group of friends. Not a gang, but people with different gang ties. They bonded playing basketball together at the Ted C. Wills Community Center.
DOMINOES OF DISRUPTION
Life’s harsh realities soon shattered his life when news of a close friend committing suicide hit him. Edward was forced to face the complexities of grief alone.
“I did not understand death and how to process that… That was a big thing.“
By 16, Edward’s life shifted dramatically. He met his future wife, who soon after, became pregnant. At the same time, he suffered the loss of his grandmother. Edward had no choice but to grow up quickly and dropped out of high school to earn a living.
FINDING HOPE NOW
As a 16-year-old without a diploma or work permit, opportunities were scarce. It was during this tumultuous period that Edward discovered Hope Now. It was the lifeline he desperately needed. Through their support, he gained mentors, job opportunities, and his first real experience with Jesus Christ. Hope Now became more than just a place to find work or hang out. it was a place where he found guidance, stability, and faith.
“I felt something unexplainable and it’s never left me… I’ve been since serving the Lord 20 years.”
Hope Now launched Edward into the workforce and beyond, instilling the confidence to rebuild his life.
NEW TOOLS, NEW PERSPECTIVE
Edward advanced significantly from a prep cook at Roger Rocka’s to a rewarding career in sales, using the skills and knowledge he gained from Hope Now. Today, he strives to pass on the lessons he’s learned from Hope Now to anyone who listens…
“Let’s walk together and figure out how we can we can fix this.”
Life has certainly presented its share of heartbreaks. Edward experienced the profound loss of his nephew, whom he raised as a son, in the very neighborhood he once called home. Despite this tragedy, he clings to the principles of growth, forgiveness, faith, and the possibility of second chances. Each morning, he reflects on his favorite verse…
“For a righteous man may fall seven times and rise again, but the wicked shall fall by calamity.”
Proverbs 24:16