Warren spends many of his weekday evenings volunteering at the Youth Assistance Coalition (YAC), where he helps the youth, takes them to Padre games, and provides a consistent presence for those who have had little stability with healthy adults. Warren runs the Be A Friend – Impact A Life program at YAC and decided to have his own ‘youth friend’ so he could get to know Sergio on a more personal level, offering deeper encouragement and support.
Sergio, who now works part-time with YAC, has a long history of homelessness and even experienced cancer while living on the streets. His story is difficult to envision, but with his strength and positive attitude he was able to find help through caring people and that pushed him to persevere. Sergio joined the Be A Friend program and values his deeper friendship with Warren because “he can be himself.” He feels comfortable sharing his life details and feelings without fear of judgment. “It is just a natural friendship,” he says, one that he hasn’t often experienced.
Warren and Sergio enjoy spending time together weekly, just talking. They have meals, go to games, and hang out together. They are looking forward to working on Sergio’s Personal Journey Plan, where goals are developed, and his direction in life is supported and celebrated through this newfound friendship.
Youth Assistance Coalition‘s mission is to positively impact the lives of youth experiencing homelessness through empowerment, mentorship, and community collaboration in order to provide transformative opportunities.
