Sean (age 20) moved from Daytona Beach, Florida to Los Angeles, in the hopes of attending Antelope Valley College to play football and advance his education. His plan was to stay with family while attending school, but they decided to move out of state suddenly, leaving him homeless. When plans for finding alternative housing fell through, Sean was forced to sleep outside on the college campus. Struggling with depression and loneliness, Sean wanted to return to his family in Florida, but was unable to afford the travel costs.
Sean was linked to the Youth Family Reconnection program with The Salvation Army – The Way In through Valley Oasis. His case manager worked with him to find coping mechanisms and resources to help with his depression and loneliness. He also coordinated with Sean’s family and secured a plane ticket for his journey home to Florida – and the family was reunited in April.
Sean is now stably housed with his mother and sister, has found full-time employment, began his studies at Bethune-Cookman University, and fulfills his love of football as a little league coach