James, age 17, Hispanic/American
“I first came to the Haven because I heard they let kids skate in-doors, in a gym, so I decided to check it out. I never expected to find that it was also a place to learn about God and life.” James explains how he had never been to church or in a church setting, and how surprised he has been at how much he enjoys it. though he has only been in the program for one year, he has become one of the students that comprise the Haven Catalyst Crew, a group of “Haven” kids ages 11-19 that have decided to step up, speak out and work towards changing the patterns that have affected their lives and thus, change the community. “I feel like I’m at home here, with family. I’m more at peace, and happy. I now have an alternative..a choice..knowing there would be other things I would have been doing had I not found the Haven.”
The Haven is comprised of kids like James, who have initially come for one reason, and stayed for another.