Jonathan

Jonathan has a lot of plans for his future. He is studying hard for school and working on his writing skills with the hopes of writing a book. He is full of energy and has many ideas for helping Covenant House.

But Jonathan wasn’t always so enthusiastic. As a child, he and his siblings were neglected by their parents who eventually abandoned them completely. His young Aunt took him and his four siblings into her home, but Jonathan continued to struggle with depression and confusion rooted from his past neglect and abandonment. “I have so many unanswered questions...I just want to know the truth. Why didn’t they want me?”

When his aunt started having kids, Jonathan felt unwanted again. He didn’t know how to cope with his emotions, unfortunately leading him to thoughts of depression and suicide.

We are so glad that Jonathan found Covenant House, where young people can come when they have no where else to go. While he’s been here, he has found the encouragement and love that has been missing his entire life. Jonathan finds it easy to talk to residents and understand where they come from because they are facing similar struggles.

He’s a leader at Covenant House and offers advice to any resident (and sometimes staff!) that will listen, “I just want everyone to smile,” he says.

Jonathan is passionate about writing, especially poems. Writing is his favorite form of therapy because it allows him to cope with the unanswered questions he still faces today. Recently he joined other residents at Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center (fifth from right) to create graffiti art. Jonathan created his board to look like a mirror and wrote a poem about his struggles and what he sees in himself.

Like other residents, Jonathan’s life has transformed since he came to Covenant House. He’s found the love and community he’s never known. With encouragement and some hope Jonathan is pursuing his dreams and moving forward with the help of staff and residents alike.

Please send your gift today to help more kids like Jonathan.

Donate now to help Jonathan and other kids in our Rights of Passage program.