When I first met Chevy, he was struggling in school and lacking motivation at ALPHA. Through ALPHA, we were able to help him get enrolled in YouthBuild, where he is THRIVING! His sense of responsibility is through the roof! He has many other ALPHA members who are YouthBuild graduates to look up to, and he is making them all proud!

I honestly can't say much about this member's 'status' prior to ALPHA. I do know that he has been front row and center to see the work and efforts of the renowned programs under CCS's umbrella. Watching these transformative programs and witnessing the determination and hard work of other youths in his age group, I saw him grow inspired. He was inspired enough to apply for the CCS's YouthBuild program, where he would graduate with his GED and a construction trade. I'm happy to say that he was selected for the program, even after a rigorous onboarding process. He made all of us so proud. I can't help but believe that the ALPHA program paved the way for him to believe in himself and feel capable of pursuing one of his goals. The exposure to the other programs should do exactly what they have done for this young man, who still attends ALPHA every day. We have created a safe space that cannot be denied.

Jabriel is a success story. Jabriel has become a great helper in the Level up gaming room. I can definitely see him as staff for the LU soon. We recently did a birthday party with lots of children and adults. Even after Alpha was closed (on a Saturday, may i add), he stayed and did a wonderful job with helping.

This member has become one the most responsible over the time I’ve known him. He had some rough days that resulted in some time off, all in the business of holding our members accountable for their actions. While the repercussions may seem harsh to some, he was fully aware that we still cared about him. However, he was also well aware that the ALPHA family was highly disappointed with his behavior. He called for multiple days to learn when he could return to the program. Since this incident, he has been a model member and has regained our trust. He is the Head Assistant in our gaming center here at ALPHA and has learned that this title is a privilege and it comes with responsibilities. He has learned how his actions can affect the things he cares about as well as his reputation and has done a complete 180. He is another member that attends the program every day.

I’ve watched this young man gradually come out of his shell, make friends, and begin to genuinely enjoy the program after attending for just a couple of weeks. Although the program holds all of our members accountable and gives each member a certain amount of responsibility, I can see he has adjusted and looks forward to the days at ALPHA. He was entered into the program by his mother and despite his sister feeling like she” simply didn’t fit in” he continued to come to the program and seems to thoroughly enjoy the family-like environment provided.