At just 10 years old, Robert found himself on the streets, facing challenges no child should have to endure. His early years were filled with hardship running away from state care and surviving on the streets of St. Louis, Missouri. By 15, he was caught in a cycle of addiction and crime, a pattern that continued until he turned 17. That’s when Robert came to Springfield, where his journey toward recovery began at Rare Breed Youth Services.
Initially, Robert struggled with his addiction, a battle that seemed insurmountable. But with the support of the Rare Breed team, he began to turn his life around. His story was not without setbacks, but with every relapse, Robert showed incredible resilience. Over the past year, he has made tremendous strides. He is now attending college at OTC, where he is studying business and marketing. Robert also recently found a job and he’s looking forward to a future where he can support his growing family as his girlfriend and he are expecting identical twin boys.
Robert is just one example of the countless young people who come through our doors at Rare Breed, seeking help to escape the cycle of homelessness. Through the support of generous donors like you, we can continue to offer vital services, including recovery support, life skills development, and educational opportunities.
Robert’s journey is far from over, but with the help of Rare Breed, he’s building a brighter future for himself and his family. Your contribution to The Kitchen, Inc. can make all the difference for someone like Robert giving them the tools and resources they need to break the cycle and start anew.
The name in this story has been changed out of compassion for the participant.
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