LOUKAS

Loukas has been with FTN since the beginning and has been to 14 FTN events. It has been a blessing to watch him grow up, come out of his shell, and truly bond with his mentor, Eugene. His mom, with tears in her eyes, thanked FTN for giving Loukas a male mentor to look up to. He started off at FTN having a hard time focusing and staying on topic, as he often got distracted easily. Every time he focused, he was told he was able to get rewarded with tokens, then exchange them for prizes. He is now one of the top token earners.

DJ

DJ started with FTN angry and closed off, and it was clear he was afraid of the police protection during events as well. We learned his experiences with cops have always been negative. In his world, police would arrive at his house to issue citations or remove a family member. At the end of his first event, he saw the protective and positive role behind police, to which he ended the day with a big smile on his face. He explained to some volunteers that he was so excited for the next event, he couldn't sleep all night.

LESLIE

Leslie is a mom who wrote a letter to FTN, deeply thanking volunteers for the help they provided to their families during the horrors of homelessness. She shared her gratitude behind the team providing clothing items for her kids in time for Christmas. She was joyous that her kids learned a lot during a financial literacy program by FTN. Leslie's older son is now enrolled in a coding program through St. Joseph's Hospital, to which he does school online and soon will graduate. She is very thankful to The Salvation Army as well.

SOLESTE

Soleste started FTN with poor grades and classroom attendance, She seemed unmotivated, and constantly made bad choices from hanging with the wrong crowd. Soleste was skeptical of FTN at first, but when she started connecting with volunteers and started to feel safe, it was starting to look up for her. She seemed to see a more positive outlook on life, and began to become more open and trusting. Her grades improved, and now is actively a part of the FTN family.

CHRISTOFER

Before FTN, Christofer wasn't allowed to do much, and was stuck at home watching over his baby brother. When he got word he was invited to a FTN event, he was very excited. He heard a lot of good things about FTN, and was in disbelief he could be a part of it. He earned many tokens during a FTN economics program and discovered the value of hard work and saving money. At the end of the event, he traded in his tokens for a cool surprise, ending his first event perfectly.

ISAIAH

Isaiah's father left Isaiah and his family a year ago, and hasn't spoken to Isaiah since. After learning about Isaiah's story, FTN Founder, Myan, took him under his wing and became his mentor. Isaiah was invited to join a real racing team and to help build a race truck. He cherishes his time with the crew and has learned a lot about mechanics and teamwork. As of 2024, Isaiah is on track to finishing high school, and has a job at Popeyes. FTN also sponsored him a car with an insurance of 6 months.

IMANI & LOLA

Imani had been homeless for years, and had been living in shelters with her young daughter, Lola. From first being skeptical of FTN, she brought her guard down by attending events. When the team found that Imani is a talented singer, they helped fulfill her dream. They gave her an opportunity to sing the National Anthem before thousands of people at a music festival. Imani now lives on her own with Lola, and is a vocal advocate for the FTN program.

KARMA

Karma is a grateful parent, and has shared how wonderful it is that her daughter has an opportunity to learn important life skills. She shares that life lessons FTN has taught has also rubbed off on the rest of the family, providing new ways of thinking. They are taking better care of their finances, and finding new ways to improve their situation by increased education. She looks forward for the time her daughter spends at FTN.

QUINNITA

Quinnita is a mother of four children. She appreciates the fact that there was day-long event where the entire family can participate in something so constructive and important. Quinnita particularly enjoyed the Health and Wellness Event, where FTN taught the kids to swim. As we explain to the families, the ability to swim is much more than a recreational

activity. The ability to swim is a life saving skill everyone must have.

BAYLEY

Bayley is a mother of four daughters, one being special needs. Bayley has continuously struggled with finances, living paycheck to paycheck, unable to make ends meet. Through one of FTN’s financial literacy programs, Bayley was shown new ways to view and understand her finances. She learned how to create a budget and

prioritize her expenses, separating ‘needs’ from ‘wants’. This is a skill many people take

for granted. FTN teaches young people how proper budgeting is a critical component

to breaking the cycle of poverty.

AMALIA

Amalia is no longer living in a shelter. However, she continues to attend our events

because she wants her kids to learn more of the important life skills that she was

never taught. At one of our financial literacy workshops, Amalia asked if she could

attend and participate in the class. She knew she needed the help. Amalia shared with us that FTN is family to her and her family. Amalia tells us, “The FTN

programs have really helped.”

SOLLAS

Sollas was a shy and introverted kid when he first came to FTN. He would stand alone

and only respond if spoken to. Over the past years, Sollas came out of his shell in

dramatic fashion. He is now seen routinely laughing, joking and talking with the other

kids. These social connections are so important to establishing a successful and

productive life.

BELLA

Bella's mom shared that her daughter was having a difficult time emotionally. After

attending a few FTN events she saw that a smile came back. FTN offers a uniquely

positive and uplifting environment that many of these kids rarely experience. Bella has begun to open up to her about her struggles with school and family. Bella has learned important communication skills at FTN. These skills have given Bella the ability to speak to her mom in new ways. Better communication means Bella’s mom has the information she needs to help her daughter.

MARIO

Mario barely spoke English when he first came to FTN. He was shy and stayed very

close to his little brother. Over those first several months, Mario began to open up.

Now, he regularly engages in conversation and asks plenty of questions. At an event in 2023, Mario asked one of the volunteers what he needs to do to become a mentor. He

wanted to mentor and help kids in the same way his FTN mentor helped him. Now, Mario has been volunteering and recently started his first job with the help of FTN and our partners WM and UWS.