Without God’s help and the IRC, this wouldn’t have been possible. God always comes first!

When Leo came to us, he was just 14 and had been out of school for over a year and a half. After an expulsion, he felt isolated, misunderstood, and unsure of his ability to succeed, especially in a language he was still learning. His family was facing overwhelming challenges, including limited access to essential resources and urgent mental health needs. With the help of his IRC caseworker, Leo and his family created a care plan that was suitable to their needs. We enrolled Leo in homeschooling, connected him to tutoring at the public library, and referred both Leo and his mother to trauma therapy. We also helped stabilize their daily life with access to food and clothing resources.

To help address the family’s legal concerns, we connected Leo with a trusted legal service provider, ensuring his unique needs as a youth were prioritized. This partnership gave the family clarity and peace of mind, allowing them to focus on Leo’s healing and education without the constant fear of legal instability. Having a dedicated advocate in their corner made a remarkable difference and reminded Leo that his future was worth fighting for.

Today, Leo is back in a traditional school setting and is engaged, thriving academically, and rediscovering his confidence. His journey is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when community partners come together to support youth in crisis.

As his mother shared: “Without God’s help and the IRC, this wouldn’t have been possible. God always comes first!”