Smile for Life!

18 year old Crisis resident Jamal is the very definition of a fighter. His whole life he has had to struggle and overcome many obstacles. Despite all the hurdles he has had to climb, Jamal continues to move forward and have a positive outlook on life.

Before entering Covenant House Michigan six weeks ago, Jamal literally had nowhere to go. His relationship with his mom was rocky at best. And at a time when most kids are out having fun with their friends, he had to work, take care of and provide for his younger siblings. Home life for Jamal just kept getting worst and at this point, personal demons began to brew. Life for Jamal felt like a downward spiral. Eventually he moved out of his house and for two years, he lived on his own. And for several months he had been calling the streets of Detroit “home”. With no family to turn to and no real place to call home, Jamal reluctantly entered Covenant House Michigan.

Before entering CHM, Jamal thought it was going to be your “typical shelter”. He quickly learned that CHM is very different from other shelters. “It’s like a school”, Jamal says. He also stated “here they get involved with you and the staff is really nice”. Jamal’s initial thoughts on CHM and his actual reality here are polar opposites. Since being at CHM, Jamal has discovered many things about himself; he also got a chance to prepare one of his favorite dishes for the entire campus, Spaghetti. In his spare time, Jamal enjoys writing, painting, working with the youth and sharing laughs with other residents here. In the future he sees himself with a degree, as an author and a celebrity.

Despite his gloomy background, Jamal continues to smile as well as make those around him smile. His bubbly personality was apparent as he continuously made me laugh throughout our interview. His story should be an inspiration to us all and should teach us that no matter what just keep moving forward. His life saying is "even when times are tough, just smile for life!"

To help make sure that Jamal and others like him get the support and help they deserve, donate now.