SISU - EARN When Scottie was 9 years old his father was incarcerated on federal drug charges. Scottie’s family kept the truth about his father from him until a family friend let it slip. He was crushed. Not long after his step-father was picked up for immigration violations, and by the time he was a teen, the two most significant men in his life had unintentionally abandoned him. By 13, Scottie was out of control. He stopped attending school and was getting into fights in the streets. At 17, he was committed to DYS for auto theft, and in 2017 was sentenced to 18 months in jail for grand larceny and firearm possession. While in jail, he had the time to reflect on his life and goals moving forward. After his release he learned about the SISU program from a friend, and he joined SISU’s EARN program where he worked with the staff to create an Individual Success Plan with set goals and community resources. In April of 2020, Scottie enrolled in a HVACR program and is due to graduate in October as a HVACR technician. “ SISU provided me with the tools I needed in my life when I was feeling desperate for a positive change. Now I find myself in a better place in my life and consider myself a positive member of the community.” LAWRENCE PROSPERA FY’2020–2021 ANNUAL REPORT PAGE 7
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