All Teenagers are Selfish, Don’t Help Out Around the House and Only Hang Out With Their Friends – Right?  Guess Again……

Alex is the eldest of five brothers, ages 4 through 17.  His mother recently escaped an abusive relationship and took the boys to a homeless shelter.  From there they were accepted into The Homelessness Project (THP) and were able to move into a cute Tudor home owned and sponsored by a THP Church partner (see History of the Homelessness Project: our partners & their websites). 

Like many boys his age, Alex is busy with school, friends and a part-time job.  Unlike many 17 year olds, however, Alex uses his earnings and much of his free time to help his younger brothers – working with them on their homework, offering guidance when necessary, playing with them and even treating them to the occasional movie or toy.  Asked if he baby sits his younger brothers, Alex say, “Sometimes.”  His mother corrects him – “All the time!”

Alex’s mother, Laura, is enrolled in the ANEW program at a local Technical College, where low-income women learn non-traditional skills.  She hopes to become proficient as an airplane technician and to eventually work at Boeing.  Alex is proud of his mother and how she is working to establish a new life after so many years of abuse.  He’s hopes to enroll in college soon – and hopes to be as successful as his mom one day.

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