Jack’s Story: That Sense of Belonging

– December 2019 –

Finding a place to belong has been a struggle for Jack.*

When he was six years old Jack, his parents, and his younger sister moved to the United States from the Philippines. Being a military family, they moved constantly. In April of this year they moved from Rhode Island to Kitsap County.

Strong cultural ties and religious beliefs within the family planted seeds for conflict between Josh and his parents. As he entered his junior year of high school, this conflict had grown to be unbearable. Jack moved into the garage. And then in May, he officially moved out.

“There was intense stuff happening when I left. I just filled up a bag with what I could and left.”

“Originally I went to a friend’s house. They were more than willing for me to stay there until I could bounce back and find a place.”

“But rent is ridiculous, and I’m only making minimum wage.”

Jack was still attending high school. He sometimes left early to run errands or sort things out with his bank as he transitioned into being on his own. He worked at Burger King but was not making enough to afford to an apartment. One day, his school counselor referred him to services at The Coffee Oasis.

In June he came to the Coffee Oasis Admin building and connected with Shonda, a case manager. They worked together to get his documentation, replace his clothing and belongings that were left behind when he moved out, and take other steps towards independence.

Then in September Jack was invited to move in with a Host Home. But he was unsure.

“I was really nervous but that went away really quickly. They [his Host Family] were really welcoming and made me feel like I belong. I guess I’ve never had that before, that sense of belonging.”

Life is now stable for Jack. He is in his senior year of high school and has reconnected with his father. And with his Host Family he has found two things all youth crave: safety and a true sense of belonging.

* youth’s name changed to protect privacy