A SECOND FAMILY: phillip's story
Phillip and his son, Thyren.
Phillip joined our Boundless mentoring program as a teenager, shortly after we launched it in 2010. He was a vibrant part of the Inner Hope community for many years. Phillip lived in both of Inner Hope's houses, as well as a basement suite below Ben and Deirdre (past House Parents).
"I’ve been connected with Inner Hope for about 10 years. I got involved through my younger brother, Frankie. He had a mentor and was always out doing things, and I got interested.
Before I got involved with the Inner Hope community, I had a lot of trouble with rules and structure. Growing up, I didn’t have structure or proper role models to show me how to grow and be motivated to do better. I got a lot of that through Inner Hope. That's also where I met my second family. They were so passionate and patient with me as I got used to following rules—even though I went against them a lot of the time. Through this experience, I found tools to raise my own son.
Inner Hope is an amazing place if you’re lost in life, and don't have the guidance that many people are privileged to grow up with. To be honest I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for Inner Hope and the people I lived with. I’m so thankful for Jenny and everything she has done for me growing up, and for Ben and Deirdre, who I look up to as my second mom and dad, and who continue to support me. I love the Inner Hope community and will never forget what they have done for me."
"I’ve been connected with Inner Hope for about 10 years. I got involved through my younger brother, Frankie. He had a mentor and was always out doing things, and I got interested.
Before I got involved with the Inner Hope community, I had a lot of trouble with rules and structure. Growing up, I didn’t have structure or proper role models to show me how to grow and be motivated to do better. I got a lot of that through Inner Hope. That's also where I met my second family. They were so passionate and patient with me as I got used to following rules—even though I went against them a lot of the time. Through this experience, I found tools to raise my own son.
Inner Hope is an amazing place if you’re lost in life, and don't have the guidance that many people are privileged to grow up with. To be honest I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for Inner Hope and the people I lived with. I’m so thankful for Jenny and everything she has done for me growing up, and for Ben and Deirdre, who I look up to as my second mom and dad, and who continue to support me. I love the Inner Hope community and will never forget what they have done for me."
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