Hold on with both hands

Before coming to The Family Foundation School my life was centered on drugs, alcohol, sex, and violence. I remember being at home and I never felt any other emotion besides being angry. I was so shut down to anything that was outside of my comfort zone. And it was like that here for a while until dance and drama came rolling in my life. I stepped out of my angry, violent, and threatening demeanor into a nice pair of spandex pants and began tap dancing for the school in the winter performance. I want to thank you Tom K. for the giving me the chance to complete something. I also want thank you Jackie for picking out such a nice pair of pants.

I also remember the fun times that I had during basketball season. If it was tying Malik’s shoes laces to the seat of the bus so when he tried to get up he would fall on his face or listening to Ted and Malik argue about who was the best player in the NBA. I want to thank you Ted and Larry for giving me the chance to play on your team even though I did not finish the season. It was a great learning experience.

The school has given me back my family, and my life and has given me new friends and great memories. Such as when me and Evan went to Oquaga creek to cook the food. When we got to the park we decided to scam and go out on a boat so we did not have to get stuck at the barbecue pit all day. We snuck off and got on a paddle boat and started splashing water at each other with the paddles until we ended up flipping the paddle boat upside down. I want to thank you Evan, that was the best table topic I’ve ever had.

Being here at this school I have received a gift I hope I never lose and that is religion. I want to say thank you to Father Stephen you are the man that baptized me and I will never forget that. Thank you. Also to America And Terry you two are pioneers in my life and I love you.

I also want to thank Ted, Iris, Jeff and Darlene for being such great bosses and being so understanding, especially Iris

This is a message to the new comer:

I remember hating everyone including my self and felt as though I would never amount to anything and I was a hopeless case. I always gave up on myself and could never finish anything. Now I finally feel like I have accomplished something and it took time, also many ups and downs. Just remember, what ever hits you and tries to knock you down, don’t let it. Keep moving forward and remember, good days or bad days, hold on with both hands.

K.M. Alumni, December 2009