At 22 years old, David has been through more than most people his age. Growing up on the Southside of Chicago, life wasn't always easy. Like many young people in his community, he got caught up in the environment around him. After spending time in jail and losing his mother, David found himself at a low point. That’s when he came to Covenant House Illinois, looking for a fresh start.
“I wasn’t really focused when I was growing up,” David shares. “I got caught up in the environment I was raised in, went to jail, and then my mother passed away.” It was through someone he met at Safe Haven that he first heard about Covenant House. In May of 2024, he decided to take a step toward changing his life by walking through the doors of CHIL.
Upon arriving at CHIL, David immediately felt a sense of relief. “They gave me comfort, made me feel like it was going to be okay. They gave me hope that I could get through this.” The staff—his case managers Easton and Marquetta, along with the workforce team and Youth Engagement Specialists like Roshanda and TC—played pivotal roles in guiding his journey.
One of David’s biggest achievements is completing a job training program with perfect attendance. “Chicago Urban League was one of the connections CHIL’s workforce team made for me. They helped me with professionalism, elevator pitches, and even got me a headshot for LinkedIn. They also helped me build my resume and develop both soft and hard skills,” he recalls.
Through another program at Cara, he learned valuable lessons in teamwork, time management, and communication, all while balancing the challenges of his probation requirements. A highlight for David was meeting Congressman Danny Davis during a recent visit to CHIL, a moment he describes as empowering. “It felt good to meet someone with that kind of influence. Shaking his hand made me feel like I had some of that power too.”
Before coming to CHIL, David didn’t have a clear vision for his future. But thanks to an entrepreneurship program, everything changed. He discovered a passion for business and won first place in a pitch competition, earning $1,500 for his idea—TNT Wraps. “That was the first time I felt like this is something I want to do—and could do,” he says proudly. Now, he’s using all the resources available to him to make his entrepreneurial dreams a reality. “I’m saving money using the 50/30/20 rule and working towards building something for myself.”
Reflecting on his journey, David shares one of the most meaningful lessons he’s learned at Covenant House: “When you pray for the rain, you have to deal with the mud too. Everything you go through builds character, and right now, I’m building character.” Understanding and managing his emotions, along with being logical, have been critical to his growth.
One person in particular has made a huge impact on him: Jessica, a peer at CHIL. “She’s a positive person and has become my balance. She puts me in my place when I need it. Shoutout to Jessica.”
When asked what home means to him now, David pauses. “Comfortable. I feel comfortable. I feel the love I never received from my mom.” As he looks ahead, he envisions a future full of possibility—one where his hard work, resilience, and the support of those at Covenant House continue to shape him into the person he’s becoming.
David’s message to others going through similar challenges is simple but profound: “You have to understand emotions and be logical. Everything you go through builds you up. It’s all part of building your character.”