PTYF Success Story: Andre Christopher
Andre attending Clipper Basketball Game along with other PTS residents donated by Norm Cravens, Hollywood Park Casino, Inglewood, CA
A Pathways To Your Future
SUCCESS STORY
In His Own Words
My name is Andre and this is my pathway to success. At the age of 11 I was already stealing cars, "going jacking" until I got incarcerated for grand theft auto. After that it went to petty theft to accessory, and burglary and I was only in the 6th grade. In the 7th grade I was getting worst, my older brother was already in jail so I was following in his foot steps. At 12 years old I was on probation and had 200 hours of community service. I wanted to change and moved in with my grandmother but I noticed that I wasn't changing because I was still hanging around with the wrong crowd and once again I got arrested for stealing clothes.
I was sent to a group home for 11 months and 2 weeks. After that I met my mentor, Gerald Thompson and became involved in Pathways To Your Future Youth Programs. In the beginning I did not feel comfortable talking to him until I realized I had no father figure and that is what I needed so I started taking his advice. Every chance he had he would take me out and show me things I needed to know later in life.
As I got older I started to notice all the things I did when I was young were dumb and useless. At 16 I got my first summer job and I have been working ever since. I work construction and I belong to the Union. I currently reside at Pathways to Success Transitional Housing Program and I am the Peer Counselor and Assistant Night Manager. My point is in order for you to have success you have to be consistent and open minded, and never be afraid to ask questions. I am 22 years old now and I still ask my mentor for advice. If I can do it so can you.