Hunter’s Story: A Brighter Future
– March 1, 2017 –
Hunter* grew up in Montana with a dysfunctional, yet loving family; his parents struggled with fights, affairs, and alcoholism. With hindsight, Hunter knows that both his parents would have benefitted from time spent in somewhere like Enterhealth to help them overcome their alcoholism, but at the time they didn’t address their problems. The family stayed together and moved to Washington when Hunter was 11, but they continued to face the same challenges while living in a house that was falling apart.
For two years at his new school, Hunter didn’t talk to anyone. A few years later, he got into serious trouble. As an alternative to incarceration, he chose to complete a treatment program. It was through this program that he first heard about The Coffee Oasis.
After encouragement from Coffee Oasis staff and a determination to work on his shyness, Hunter started coming into the Poulsbo Oasis Center. Although the center felt uncomfortable to him at first, Hunter gradually opened up! He appreciates the support of his mentor, Mark*, who meets with him every other week to talk and play board games. Hunter also completed an internship through The Coffee Oasis, which helped him apply for a real job!
Hunter is determined to improve his grades so he can get into a 4-year university, despite his past mistakes. Smiling, Hunter reported, “I just got my PSAT score back and I passed! I thought it was a sign of the apocalypse!” After college, Hunter hopes to work in cyber security or teach in Japan. Hunter decided, “I want to be rich in all aspects: happiness, money, and family”.
Encouraged by the personal story of his case manager, Hunter realized everyone goes through hard times, but if you work for it, you can have a good future.
Let’s continue to steer youth like Hunter towards bright futures!
*Names changed to respect identity
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