12 Kids of Christmas: Meet Martin

Reason to Give #8: Make a Dream Come True

When our kids grow up they want to be lawyers, teachers and doctors too. We connect them with the resources they need whether it be applying for financial aid and scholarships or selecting a college or trade. Our kids know that we have their back and want the very best for them.

Meet Martin.
Martin is 20 years old and resides in our Crisis Center. We immediately welcome kids into our Crisis Center where staff offer them a meal, clothes, and show them to a warm bed.

We asked him his story, here's what he said:

Why did you come to Covenant House?
After my mother died, my father was supposed to take care of us, but everything fell apart. He couldn't cope with her death and began to neglect us. I stayed with my cousin for awhile, but couldn't stay forever. I came here to go to school, look for a job and save money. Also, I want to have a good career and a lot of guidance and support.

If you could pick one thing that Covenant House has helped you with, what would it be?
There's more than one thing. I am more confident, they helped with my anger issues, getting in touch with the Lord, and having self discipline.

What are you grateful for?
I'm grateful for the staff, food in my stomach and the clothes on my back. Thankful to the Lord that I wake up every morning. Im grateful to have a Covenant House family 4 life.

What's your best memory at Covenant House?
When I came here I found cool staff and residents. I always do everything that people ask of me. I like to clean and wash dishes in the kitchen with Mama Reed. The social worker Ms. Kate gave me a lot of guidance and influenced me. I won the Covenant House Talent show for my performance of Tina Turner's Proud Mary. A volunteer connected me to a film school where I met actress Lonette McKee. I was invited to attend her acting school. I went to a Detroit Football game. The people from a church helped paint the murals in the Crisis Center with me. Also, I like when I volunteer. There's just too many memories and so many excellent things to say about Covenant House.

And finally, what do you want to accomplish in the new year?
Get a job, because I've been looking so long. Lose weight, exercise and work on getting my Bachelor's Degree in Graphic Interior Design. And going back to Lonette McKee's Actor Workshop.

Yes! I want to give today to help Martin grow up to be an interior graphic designer and help other kids, like Marco, succeed!

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