I initially came to Operation Fresh Start because I was falling behind in High School due to involvement in gang activity. My breaking point was losing my two role models and elder brothers to the prison system (a 12 year sentence for both) when I was Junior at East High. With my crisis and low promise of graduating on time, I was determined to make a change.

My time at OFS was nothing short of magical, and instantly I felt a sense of community. I slowly befriended other students with similar backgrounds and opened up to a genuine staff that made me feel as though my life really mattered. For the 1st time in my life, I felt like my future was in my hands and not in the hands of gang culture -- where I had previously found my false Identity. Simply put, those years were some of my happiest and most challenging moments that played a pivotal role in sculpting me into a better man today.

Currently I work at Ameriprint Apparel as the Senior Graphic Designer, and in my spare time, I am a Freelance Designer and Artist. Outside of work, I have gotten the opportunity to work with awesome people -- like designing the t-shirts for Ha Long Bay, building a logo for The Badger Project, and working with local musicians like William Z. Villain who is touring in Europe and featured my artwork in Rolling Stone. I will never forget that OFS gave me the grant that bought my 1st MacBook when I started the Graphic Design program!

I reached back to OFS to give back, when I was going through a reflecting period of my life. I realized that I wanted to give back to all the people that played a part in my story and what I realized is that OFS literally saved my life. So, I am forever in your debt.

Thank you for a second chance,

Terrence 

When Terrence reached out to OFS and offered to give back, he was recruited to design the posters that will hang in the reception area of our future home. Below is one of the posters that Terrence designed. We can't wait to show you the rest in our new home! THANK YOU, TERRENCE!