Stories of Hope
Oliver’s Story
When Oliver arrived in New York State’s Southern Tier last winter, he was running for his life. Growing up on Long Island, he had witnessed unimaginable violence: friends and mentors lost to gunfire, and even betrayal by people he once trusted. One afternoon, Oliver and his siblings had to dodge bullets on a basketball court. That terrifying moment was the final push his family needed to flee upstate for safety.
Starting over wasn’t easy. His past experiences had left him in a constant fight-or-flight state, and after being expelled from school, Oliver felt isolated and angry, struggling to learn online and missing the friends he’d left behind.
A Steady Hand
That’s when Together for Youth stepped in. His Family Specialist, Jessica, became a steady, trusted presence, helping his family find local doctors, food resources, and mental health support. She worked tirelessly to get Oliver back on track at school, coordinating with teachers, arranging paper copies of assignments when online learning felt overwhelming, and helping him reconnect with education through Zoom sessions. Slowly, Oliver began to feel included again.
Jessica didn’t stop there. Knowing Oliver’s love for sports, she found ways to keep him connected to peers by taking him to away basketball games, even when he couldn’t attend school in person. That sense of belonging motivated Oliver to complete his coursework, and passing classes.
Dreams on the Field
When Oliver dreamed of joining a team again, Together for Youth made it happen. Jessica advocated for him to play football and later basketball, even while he attended an alternative school. Prepared with everything he needed – a mouth guard, pads, gloves, and a team hoodie – he walked onto the field feeling like he belonged. Surrounded by coaches and teammates who cared, Oliver began to rebuild trust, confidence, and hope.
Thriving Today
Today, Oliver is thriving. He’s passing his classes, planning for the future, and smiling again. When asked what’s changed most, Oliver says “I finally feel part of a community that believes in me.”
Here for them. Here for good.
As families face growing challenges, from housing insecurity to mental health struggles and rising costs, Together for Youth is showing up with care that is therapeutic, compassionate, and rooted in potential. Your donation today ensures we can keep families strong and youth supported.