A call recently came to Kindred Connections from an attorney working to help a teen through a time of crisis. The boy’s life at home had been a struggle, and he had been kicked out, through no fault of his own. This young boy (we’ll call him Logan) was heading to Oregon Youth Challenge Program (OYCP) and had no place to live for the month before he started his program.
Logan’s lawyer had called 20 different agencies in their county, but could not find a place for him to live for the month before his move to Bend. He then called Kindred Connections and after reaching out to the volunteers a couple stepped forward ready to bring Logan into their home and lives.
Over the next weeks this couple helped Logan get a short-term job, a gym pass, new insurance, and complete many of his OYCP requirements and they showed Logan love. When he left their home to transition to another host home (they had vacation plans), they told Logan that they would continue to be in his life. Logan said “Wow…I didn’t expect them to say that. I thought I didn’t have anyone in my life I could count on and now I have them. They are kind of like parents now.”
These moments remind us that Kindred Connections volunteers seek to shine love on those hurting, in need, and struggling, and they do this as volunteers, without anything in return. These volunteers offer time, resources, open their homes and continue to give selflessly. It is a joy for all of us to witness…and the volunteers always say they are the ones blessed when hosting a youth.