Wallace was only 13 years old when his 14-year-old best friend was murdered. That experience—the sudden and violent loss of someone so dear to him—changed Wallace’s life forever. It filled him with anger, a desire for justice, and, admittedly, fear. Those emotions drove him to the wrong crowd, who handed him guns and encouraged choices he now wished he’d never made.
“I was caught up in the streets,” Wallace said. “I started smoking weed, running from the police, and getting involved in shootouts.” Over the next few years, Wallace was in residential and judicial programs before ultimately being incarcerated for a year at Lincoln Hills. He turned 17 in prison. He left behind a worried mother and twin brother who missed him deeply. “Coming to Rawhide, I’m really just looking forward to doing better and bigger things in life,” he shared.
When Wallace arrived at Rawhide in August 2025, he wasn’t sure what to expect. “At first, I felt uncomfortable. But once I saw that people here genuinely care, it started feeling like home.” He credits staff members like Mr. Brandon for helping him adjust. “He talked to me man to man, even though I’m a kid. He didn’t talk down to me, and it felt real.”
Wallace’s hard work and growth earned him Student of the Month, an achievement he’s proud to share. “The staff are role models, and when they demonstrate leadership, I want to be like that. There are a lot of opportunities here, and everyone should try to learn something.”
When asked what he’s learned about himself since coming to Rawhide, Wallace said, “I’m happy I’m making something out of this—I’m not wasting my time here. I feel good about that.” His motivation comes from his family, especially his mom. “She’s been happy for me, and she’s so proud. She wants me to graduate, and I’m doing it for her.”
Looking ahead, Wallace dreams of becoming a rapper and singer, writing his own music, and inspiring others through his story. “Even when things are bad, you can always make something good out of it,” he said. “Coming here felt like a bad thing at first, but I just want to keep positive role models around me and continue becoming a better man.”
Coming to Rawhide transformed Wallace in ways he never imagined. Just months ago, he was a kid with no direction, no motivation, and a life full of obstacles. Now, he’s staying out of trouble, building real connections with staff who treat him like an adult, and discovering a focus and drive he never knew existed. Wallace isn’t surviving—he’s learning to thrive, proving that with the right support, even the hardest beginnings can lead to a brighter future.
Wallace’s message to donors: “Thank you very much for everything you do for Rawhide. It’s amazing to see how much you put into us—you’ve made so many people happy.”
