Testimonies

Michael's Story:

I am the first Firewall kid! I say that because the first time I came to Firewall was only the second meeting they ever had at Palma Nova Mobile Home Park. I was 12 years old and I had just moved into the neighborhood, my parents had just gone through a very painful divorce, and I was starting to make some wrong choices.

When I came that first night I was depressed about where my life was taking me. It is funny how the same thing that brought me to firewall is the same thing that brings other young people to do drugs and other bad things... boredom and a sense of nothing to lose. I attended and I thought it was too good to be true it felt like these people actually cared. I became involved in everything they did from church, to special events, to the after-school program.

They put the time into me, they cared for me, I remember the many days that Mrs. Janeth or Mr. Andy would drop me off at my house after all the other kids, so that we could just sit and talk about everything that was bothering me. I would unload all my problems and all my frustrations with life and especially those that involved my family. They would talk me through those problems and many times they would pray with me. Those moments more than anything else changed my life and my choices.

I began to believe in myself more and that is the thing about Firewall, they don’t make the choices for you, they don’t take the tests or do the homework, but they give you all the tools you need to guide you to make the right choices. They show you the right way through their lives not just through their words.

Right now I am 19 years old and a very busy, starving student, but in the future I intend to give back to everyone I can of my time, money, and wisdom. Firewall has taught me that giving of one’s self with God’s help, changes people. I look around the world and I see people with no direction and if I can contribute to their finding their purpose then I am truly a servant leader.

Edriana's Story:

"I have been a part of Firewall for three years. At the beginning of this year, I struggled with my academics. I had just switched to a different high school and had a hard time getting used to it. But I realized that this was no excuse. I finally decided to quit being lazy, work hard, and be determined to get my work done even if I didn’t want to. My attitude and actions toward life improved and I will make the honor roll this quarter.

Firewall has also improved my relationship with God because it allows me to realize that it isn’t always about me, but it’s about my surroundings and having empathy for others. I have learned to be more patient and to listen. I have become a person of integrity because I’m beginning to respect others more and be more organized without anyone telling me to. Firewall staff members always encourage me to do my best and not to slack off and daydream. They tell me to dedicate all my efforts into what I do."

Barney's Story:

"Since I joined the Firewall program two years ago, my vision in life has changed. The program has made a difference in my grades and behavior. Also, I have been able to develop a strong relationship with God. This relationship enables me to make good decisions. Without Firewall, I would probably have been hanging out with people that would influence me in a negative way. Instead, I chose to be a part of the Firewall program because Mr. Andy and Mrs. Janeth are two of the most dedicated people I know. That tells me that I'm in good hands.

Firewall is a second family to me. This is where my friends are! This is where I come because this is where people are that are like me, trying to make better choices every day. I am looking forward to graduating this year, going to college, and becoming a firefighter. That way, I can make an impact in my community by giving back and being a mentor to others like Mr. Andy and Mrs. Janeth have been to me."

Elizabeth's Story:

"My friends and the tutors at Firewall help me a lot. I work hard for the good grades that I get and get all of my work done. My faith has also been affected a lot by Firewall. I believe more in God, I trust myself to get my work done, and I trust my friends and listen to what they have to say. Firewall has helped me with my integrity too. Thanks to Firewall, I have more integrity in everything that I do. Doing something good feels great and believing that God is with me is a big part.

Before Firewall, I always used to use my room as a cave. I was like a bear. I stayed distant from my family and God. But being with Firewall, I have improved. I don't give my mom an attitude for one thing. Being at Firewall has helped me improve mostly in my grades. Firewall is a great place to learn and to have fun. In the first quarter, I had F's and D's. Now, thanks to Firewall, I have all A's and B's."