I’m still on my journey, still figuring out who I am and where I’m going. But I know this: I wouldn’t be here without YouthLink. They gave me a chance when I thought I had none. They gave me hope when I felt hopeless. And because of them, I’ve learned that no matter how hard life gets, there’s always a way forward.
I was born in Jamaica, where life wasn’t easy, but it was all I knew. My family was fractured, and I spent most of my childhood separated from my sister, raised by strangers. In 2009, when my sister and I moved to Canada to live with our dad, I thought things would be different. I hoped for a fresh start, but instead, I was met with challenges I could have never imagined.
Adjusting to a new culture was hard. I didn’t speak English well, and my dad’s strict and often abusive behavior made things worse. At home, I felt trapped. He demanded perfection, but no matter what I did, it was never enough. His anger was unpredictable, and I learned to stay quiet, doing everything I could to avoid his outbursts.
I was running on survival mode, but deep down, I felt lost and alone. I started questioning my purpose, my worth, and whether life was even worth living. That’s when YouthLink came into my life. At first, I didn’t know what to expect, but YouthLink gave me something I hadn’t felt in a long time: safety. It wasn’t just about having a roof over my head—it was about being seen and supported by people who genuinely cared. The staff didn’t just offer me help; they treated me like family.
Through YouthLink, I started to believe in myself again. They taught me life skills I’d never had the chance to learn before—cooking, managing money, and how to plan for my future. These weren’t just lessons; they were tools that gave me independence and hope. For the first time, I began to see a way forward. But my journey wasn’t a straight path. I made mistakes along the way—choices I’m not proud of. There were times when I doubted myself and felt like giving up. Yet, every time I fell, YouthLink was there to remind me that I could get back up. They gave me the encouragement I needed to keep going, even when it felt impossible.
You showing up as a donor for YouthLink will help them to continue showing up for young people.
If you can please consider becoming a monthly donor. It helps more than you realize.
Today, I’m not the same person I was. I’ve started to chase dreams I thought I’d buried long ago, like acting. I’ve realized that the trauma I experienced doesn’t define me—it’s part of my story, but it’s not the whole story. YouthLink helped me see that I have the power to write the next chapters of my life.
Thank you for taking the time to read my letter. Your donation makes a difference in a young person’s life and their future.
Ronaldo Griffiths
YouthLink Transitional Housing Resident