Turning Pain into Purpose

Jayce’s childhood was shaped by the love of his mother and grandparents, but he faced significant challenges, including an absent father. His struggles intensified after the loss of his grandmother, leading him to drop out of school in ninth grade. However, he found the strength to return to school his junior year. Seeking stability, he moved in with his grandfather in his senior year, but his world was shaken once again when his grandfather passed away just before the holidays. In the midst of preparing for the funeral, Jayce faced yet another shock: he was shot during a break-in at their home leaving him homebound for eight months, forcing him to prioritize his recovery over his education.

Despite these setbacks, Jayce realized he wanted more for his future and decided to pursue his GED. A friend introduced him to Center of Hope, where he connected with caring mentors who offered both academic support and spiritual guidance. This experience rekindled his motivation, leading him to complete his GED and reignite his dream of giving back to his community.

Inspired by the first responders who helped him, Jayce now plans to attend EMT school. His journey reminds us of the power of perseverance and hope—qualities that shine through even in the darkest times. It’s fitting that Jayce’s favorite saying is “with every thunderstorm, the sunshine follows”.