GB Magazine August 2021 | Page 14

Youth

DOORS OF CHANGE 20 Years of Opening Doors

Justine ’ s High School Graduation in 2019

Justine was 12 years old when she fled to the streets to escape her mother ’ s boyfriend , who was regularly physically and verbally abusive . When it got worse and he started to take off her clothes , she decided to chance life on the streets . When Doors of Change met her four years later , Justine had attempted suicide twice . She could not envision a better life for herself , and she trusted no one . For a month , she watched warily as homeless youth like herself participated in art and music lessons offered by Doors of Change . Finally , she asked to participate in an art class , and it changed the trajectory of her life . She began to trust Doors of Change and asked for help . She began selling jewelry to pay for her own rent and food . She enrolled in college and earned her bachelor ’ s degree ; she is now in law school .

14 GBSAN . COM | AUGUST 2021