Dustin's story

August 21, 2007

In a little over a year, Dustin has gone from being a kid at loose ends to a young man in charge of his life.

A big boost in his transformation came from a program called Youth Action Centre (YOA), which is operated in London by Youth Opportunities Unlimited with funding from United Way.

"For the last few years, I've been taking care of myself," says Dustin, who is 18. "I didn't have any confidence or motivation to get on with my life."

When he was growing up, he bounced between his parents' homes after they split up. There were few programs in the small town where he grew up to help him deal with his situation. He ended up in London, couch-surfing among those who would take him in, but always at risk of being on the streets. Dustin doesn't blame his family for the choices he felt he had to make.

When he was 17, he tried to register at an alternative high school but was disappointed to find out he didn't qualify. However, a staff member there didn't want to send him away without at least some help, so he tipped Dustin off about Youth Action Centre.

"I got into the program with YOU, which taught me all different life skills," Dustin says. He learned how to budget, shop for groceries, communicate with others and develop a work ethic.

"Everybody had told me I couldn't make it on my own, so I kind of listened to that. Then the United Way funded program proved that I can," he says.

Now Dustin has two jobs. Although he lives with an aunt, he does pay rent, so he considers himself to be independent now. And he's going for his General Education Development (GED) test, which would give him the equivalent of a high school diploma.

"I feel pretty good. I have a full-time job, I go to work every day - on time," he adds with a chuckle. "I'm proud."

Preparing children and youth for future success is one of United Way of London & Middlesex's priority areas. Learn more.