Derek is choosing to spend most of his time during this season in his bedroom with the door shut playing video games. It’s quiet in there. He can keep to himself.

One of 12 children, adopted and left with the consequences of his birth mother’s substance abuse while he was in the womb, Derek struggles. Although his family works hard to provide a safe, loving, nurturing home, he still found himself wrapped up in the juvenile justice system.

Instead of spending time in Remann Hall, he was able to choose a mentor through YFC’s One80 program and was matched with Hans. One80 mentors can take kids to ice cream, shoot hoops, and work through any challenges a mentee may have. For months Hans tried everything he could think of to get Derek to open up but he only answered with single words. Hans could never tell what he was really thinking. 

With schools closed, everyone asked to stay home and stay safe, and communication limited to phone calls and virtual tools, it only got harder to connect with Derek. Hans decided to try something new. He contacted Derek’s mom and then stopped by with a little care package. 

Standing on their front porch, Hans heard Derek speak a full sentence for the very first time. He said, “I miss you, Hans.”

Kids are lonely. They are isolated more than ever. But thanks to people just like you, there are caring adults all across Pierce County doing whatever it takes to keep loving kids through intentional relationships. 

*Teen name and image have been changed