Josh’s Story
Josh grew up in an unstable and unsafe home. Everything changed when he joined a United Way donor-funded youth program, where he found stability, caring mentors, and the chance to just be a kid.
While participating in the program, Josh was seen, not for his background, but for who he was. He formed a close bond with Adam, the program lead, who became a mentor and father figure. With Adam’s support, Josh was able to experience things he never imagined. He attended award shows, was featured in newspapers and on TV, and even took a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Disney World.
But this didn’t erase the challenges at home, eventually leading to his placement in foster care, where he met Jim and Karen Evans. The transition was rough, and like many youth facing a major change, Josh acted out or as he described "a snot-nosed, bratty kid." But the Evans remained warm and patient, meeting him with understanding instead of frustration. Over time, their kindness broke through Josh’s walls.
His time with the Evans became deeply impactful. They taught him everyday skills and life lessons, like basic manners and being respectful, things no one had taken the time to teach him before. Most importantly, they made him feel loved and cared for, even when he struggled to accept it, something Josh still treasures to this day.
When you’ve had experiences like mine, you tend to expect the worst. But given the right people and circumstances, life doesn’t have to turn out that way.
Thanks to the support of United Way donors, Josh not only found stability and mentorship, which helped him grow into the healthy, happy, and successful adult he is today.
