posted Aug 15, 2011 12:32 PM by Alabama Youth Homes IT Department
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updated Aug 15, 2011 9:04 PM by Eddie Grizzard
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The experience I had at the Alabama Youth Homes changed my life. It helped me understand the true meaning of making a difference and helping others. We learned how to work together with our peers and motivate one another throughout the day. The staff were amazing and very dedicated to helping us better ourselves. They helped us set goals and created a plan to achieve those goals. I loved every moment I had there. It was something that I will always remember. I thank Alabama Youth Homes for everything they did for me and hope they keep up the great work. Every step made is a step closer to being better.
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posted Aug 15, 2011 12:24 PM by Alabama Youth Homes IT Department
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updated Aug 15, 2011 12:50 PM
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Corporal Jay OmenyeAlabama Youth Homes is very proud of our program graduates. We are especially proud of Corporal Jay Omenye, U. S. Army. Corporal Omenye recently returned from a year in Iraq. He served in Yusifiyah and was exposed to fighting on the front line. He was involved in an explosion and was wounded. He had to be flown out of Iraq for medical treatment but returned to continue his assignment. Corporal Omenye describes seeing his best friend die in the war. His assignment now includes, among other things, serving as a recruiter's aide and doing escort missions. He makes his home in Birmingham. He plans to attend college and one day pursue a career in law enforcement.Recently, Jay came back to visit his Alabama Youth Home family. We were excited to see him! Jay came to live with us when he was 15 years old. He states he was headed in the wrong direction and believes he could have ended up dead or in jail. Instead, he became one of our kids. In the time he was with us, Alabama Youth Homes staff taught Jay how to drive and helped him get his drivers license. We provided him with tutoring and he obtained his GED. He was provided the opportunity to become involved in church, which he enjoyed. He describes the atmosphere as warm and nurturing, and he states that staff really listened to him. He believes the staff cared about him, and that he was seen as an individual, not just another resident. Jay bought his first car through Alabama Youth Homes donated auto program (and, of course the money was returned to him when he graduated from our program). Alabama Youth Homes is thankful to have been a part of Jay's life. ALABAMA YOUTH HOMES IS VERY PROUD OF JAY OMENYE,
A TRUE AMERICAN HERO! |
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