We Won’t Give Up on Lucas
At the age of 18, Lucas was no longer eligible for foster care. In the eyes of the state, he was considered an adult and able to care for himself. Nothing could have been further from the truth. Emotional scars and unresolved issues left him vulnerable and at risk.
Lucas’ childhood had been filled with physical and mental abuse from his mother who was usually drunk or high on drugs. Even though she hurt him, Lucas loved his mother. At the age of 6, he tried to protect her from her abusive boyfriend. In the ensuing struggle Lucas’ arm was broken. It was at that point that he and his sisters were put into foster care. Lucas would live in three different foster homes between the age of 6 and 18.
Now on his own, he didn’t want to be homeless and living on the streets, so he paid a man $500 a month (most of what he earned from his part-time job) just to sleep on the floor of a church. Like Lucas, more then 90 percent of the young people leaving foster care are homeless within their first year of emancipation!
When Lucas came to Volunteers of America seeking help, he had no plans — and no hopes — for the future. A caring caseworker introduced him to the Special PAL (preparation for Adult Living) Aftercare Program run by Volunteers of America. In this program Lucas found guidance and encouragement. The program helped him find safe, affordable housing and gave him instruction in the basic skills he never learned but would need to build a productive, rewarding life for himself.
With the help of Volunteers of America, Lucas now has a clear, strong sense of direction. He has entered college. And, he has a devoted mentor and friend — his Volunteers of America case manager — who will be there to help him through the rough spots in life for as long as he needs care and assistance. Volunteers of America won’t let Lucas give up and we won’t give up on him!
