At 16 years old, Travon is learning how to carry unimaginable grief without letting it define him.
Travon lived in Milwaukee with his mom and four siblings. But what shaped his future came at just 5 years old when he lost his twin brother in a car accident. “It’s hard just thinking about it,” he said. “I was told to suck it up and be a man.”
That kind of loss does not disappear. For Travon, it turned into anger, trauma, and eventually choices that led to an armed robbery charge and a year and a half in jail. He knows those choices grew out of pain. “Hurt people hurt people,” he said.
When he first arrived at Rawhide in December 2025, Travon was quiet and guarded. He didn’t know anyone, and opening up did not come easily. Staff encouraged him to be honest, respectful, and willing to trust the process. Over time, he learned that healing does not happen all at once.
He has also found steady support in the little moments that matter. Bowling, fishing, going on walks, and taking time to calm down have all become part of his growth. Fishing means something special to him because his mom loves it, too.
His favorite place at Rawhide is the basketball court, where he already feels at home. Travon likes work that feels practical and purposeful, and he has embraced new experiences and opportunities to serve others at our summer fish fries.
Therapy has played an important role in that journey. His therapist, Ms. Cassie, tells him the truth and helps him stay focused on himself. “If you ever need her, she’s going to be there,” he shared. When his anger rises, he has learned to meditate, walk, or work out. Those tools are helping Travon respond differently than he once did.
He is especially proud of the effort he has put into school. Travon has stayed focused, kept working, and moved closer to graduation. He credits staff like Mr. Max for always being there and encouraging him to keep going.
Travon’s motivation comes from home, especially from his little brother, who is only four years old and already tells him to do good. Travon wants to make his mom proud. He wants to graduate. He wants to keep gaining knowledge and become someone his family can count on. He wants to be known as respectful, uplifting others, and having a connection with people.
Learning to remain calm in situations and focus on himself, Travon is excited for the future that lies ahead. More than anything, he hopes to carry the motivation he has found at Rawhide.
Travon’s message to donors: “Thank you for believing in us, even when life gets hard.”