The Hope Itself cont...

A Story of Redemption

“I wouldn’t waste my time.” The advice came from a member of a team whose discouragement with Dante’s past behavior and the prospect of him joining a football team was apparent. I could understand. Dante’ went through a recent rough patch. He had spent five months in lock-up, was kicked out of a school, behind in credits, and was on his last chance before facing an extended sentence in juvenile corrections, but I knew something the other team members didn’t…

Dante was done with his old life

Dante’s five months in Juvenile Hall was a turning point in Dante’s life. During his time there he attended school and got good grades, maintained good behavior, and did everything he could think of to convince the judge to give him one more chance. When he got out, Dante resumed his mentoring and athletic training with TPC. Dante wanted to join a football team in the fall, and over the summer Dante worked HARD.  He requested extra workout days, brought his friends and constantly pushed himself to be better. He maintained compliance with the probation office and didn’t hang out with his usual friends.But a complicated past can label someone, and Dante had a huge label.

Looking for someone to look beyond the Label

The team member who expressed concern wasn’t wrong, at one time if Dante had a physical label, it would have been a red triangle around a red explanation point with the word “Danger”. I knew that label had been earned, but it was no longer deserved.

The turning point was when the Athletic Department at East Highschool met Dante, saw him for where he was at, and welcomed Dante onto their team. 

I love his shirt, yes Dante, you should have been. :)

This picture represents hope for a different future for Dante. Behind this picture are numerous “protective factors” that lower Dante’s risk of going to prison, including a connection to three or more caring adults, a healthy peer group, and on track for high school graduation.

As donors you are a part of Dante’s redemption story. Without your faithfulness we would not have been able to put in the hours over the span of a year to help bring Dante to a moment when he has hope for his future. Thank you for “wasting” your time and money on youth like Dante so they can have a future.