Antione

The first time Antione’s mom kicked him out for the night, he was only seven years old. Not knowing where to go, he slept in the place that he felt was the safest– the graveyard…at least it had bars around it.

After that being kicked out as a form of punishment became commonplace: Antione slept in abandoned buildings, crack houses, in cars, and behind his high school. While the streets weren’t safe – home wasn’t much better. His uncle got mad one night and put a knife to his throat.

Soon after he turned 18, his mother kicked him out for the last time. He called the Nineline and was dropped off at Covenant House Michigan. He was welcomed to the Crisis Center where his immediate needs were met and he had access to counseling. They helped him get health insurance, provide job leads and help him sign up for classes. “I don’t have to worry about where I’m going to sleep,” he said. “I don’t have to worry about someone coming up and beating or raping me.”

Antione continued to go to school while he was on the street, received his high school diploma, and has a certificate in 3D graphics/animation/CAD. He’s now in the Rights of Passage program and planning to attend Oakland Community College soon.

His real love, however, is basketball. He says that when he makes a basket, he feels like he is putting all the “bad stuff” behind him, and moving on to a bright new future.

Donate now to help Antione and other kids in our programs.