There’s nothing fair about Stefan’s life.
Stefan* knows how to make an impression; that things are normal, that he is well, and coping. He may ask you for a drink or a cigarette, perhaps a little cash, and he will take what is offered. If it is not offered he will find one way or another to get it. Stefan knows a few tricks, a few street-smart tactics. They have come in useful often enough. He also knows a few coping mechanisms, including the front he is presenting now.
Stefan has developed these tricks and mechanisms having suffered through multiple abandonments, abuse, and grief. At the age of seven he was placed in a small, family-type group home for a year, after which he was adopted by a family in the capital city. This was not a good family though, and he suffered physical abuse along with his adoptive mother at the hands of the alcoholic father. At the age of 13, Stefan was placed in another small group home for several months, before being moved to another. Then he was moved yet again to a group home away from the capital before being returned to his adoptive mother, who was now living on her own, and Stefan was happy until her sudden death left him alone again at the age of 16. Stefan was back in a small group home.
You might think this young man had suffered enough. The House of Opportunity team certainly thought so when Stefan joined the programme this summer. His mother’s death has left a profound and lasting mark on the boy’s life. They were very close, and he is deeply grieving the loss.
Just two weeks after his placement in the House of Opportunity, the team began picking up worrying signals. Stefan does not share much, but during a session with a House parent, he expressed a severe fear of being beaten up or something worse. The team took immediate action through its protection and safeguarding networks.
After a bit of patient exploration, Stefan revealed that he was caught up in a criminal scheme that exploits vulnerable individuals in order to steal their money and property. You see, “street-smarts” might serve you well among your peers, but a young person on their own is a prime target for seasoned manipulators and deceivers, people that prey on the most vulnerable, people who are good at identifying those at-risk, and may have something valuable to lose. Stefan had received a part share in some property from his adoptive mother, but this was discovered by a gang, which then induced him to accumulate significant debts. Stefan is at serious risk of losing everything to these people.
The House of Opportunity team is now working alongside local authorities to protect Stefan’s interests, trace the criminal network, and, if possible, prevent others from falling into similar traps.
House of Opportunity is special because its offer goes well beyond the basics of food and shelter. It is a Home in the truest sense of the word. Here, at-risk young people can find warmth, acceptance, and advocates who care deeply. It becomes a family for those who have been deprived of one, providing support and security when life is frightening and cold, and a bulwark against people who simply don’t care how much further damage they might do to young lives already scarred by years of neglect and abuse.
We want to help more young people like Stefan. Will you join us?
*Name changed