At 17 years old, Will is learning just how much a life can change when someone chooses a different path—and has people who believe in them along the way.
Will’s life had been shaped by both deep connection and deep loss. As a middle child in a large, blended family with 14 siblings, he takes pride in being a big brother. “I like having people who look up to me,” he says. “I like being there for them.”
But after one of his best friends died in December 2022, everything began to unravel. Grief, mixed with the influence of the wrong crowd, led to choices he wishes he could take back. A high-speed chase, gun possession, and arrest ultimately brought him to a turning point.
When Will first arrived at Rawhide in October 2025 after spending time in jail, even the simplest moments felt new again. “I saw grass for the first time in months,” he says. “The world looked so good.” What began as relief slowly became something more meaningful.
School had never been a priority for Will. But with encouragement from staff like Mr. Blair, Mr. Dino, and Mr. Justin, something changed. “When I thought I couldn’t do it, they told me they have my back.”
Will has also found unexpected joy along the way. He joined the basketball team, discovering a love for a sport he never thought he’d enjoy. He attends Young Life events, builds friendships, and continues to grow more confident in himself.
Through therapy with Ms. Gabby, Will has begun to open up in ways that once felt impossible. Diagnosed with ADHD at a young age and struggling with trust, he now describes therapy as a place where he can learn how to cope and express himself. “She’s kind-hearted and helps me find better ways to communicate.”
Now, he plans to graduate from Starr Academy, something that once felt out of reach. And for Will, that diploma means so much. “I’m doing it for my mom, my dad, and my grandma,” he shares. “That’s their paper too, and I want them to show it off.”
The most meaningful change is how Will sees himself. “I’ve learned that I’m funny and can light up a room. Even when things are hard, I like helping people feel better. It’s the little things that matter.”
When he leaves Rawhide, Will plans to return home to his family—carrying with him not just new skills, but a new mindset. One grounded in growth, resilience, and hope. “I wouldn’t have been this person a long time ago,” he says. “I’m proud of how much I’ve grown.”
Will’s message to donors: “Thank you for helping us get a second chance and for believing that we can change.”