“What are your goals for the summer?”
This was the question that Michael, Haven Housing’s Youth Case Manager and Program Coordinator, posed to Alex, a 13-year-old staying at Haven Housing with his mother and baby brother. Alex had several, but his top goal was to play the sport he loved and join his school’s junior high football team.
After hearing this, Michael talked with Alex’s mother and they hatched a plan to help him achieve his goal. First, they worked with an organization that helps provide sports equipment to kids whose families live on low incomes to get Alex cleats and they put together a transportation plan for practice and games.
Alex became a football player on the North Commons Junior High Bulldogs.
After equipment pickup at the school, Alex was so excited that he wore his pads and jersey back to the shelter and refused to take them off until bedtime. (Don't worry; these were fresh out of storage pads and not end-of-season pads.)
His enthusiasm didn’t stop there. Alex wasn’t just satisfied being on the team, he wanted to contribute to its success. He knew that meant getting better. So he asked Michael if he could take him to a gym. They found a gym nearby and, together, did some weight training.
Alex’s perseverance paid off. Despite this being Alex’s first year on a football team, he excelled. He became a starter on both sides of the ball, generating sacks, making pancake blocks and scoring touchdowns.
Alex is grateful for the staff and people he’s met at Haven Housing. And he has some advice for future teens staying at Haven Housing.
“Participate in the activities. Get out there and meet new people. And return the favor by helping others,” said Alex.
Alex has set his sights further in where he hopes football will take him. After completing a successful season, Alex plans to continue working on his game and hopes to play football, the game he loves, in high school and in college.
Alex’s future is bright.