Hello! My name is Dayteon and I want to tell you my story.

I am 16-years-old from Milwaukee, and lived with my mom and four siblings. I started hanging out with the wrong crowd and lost several close friends to gang violence. I could not process through these big emotions, like grief and guilt, and made bad choices. I went to juvenile detention for six months and then was given a second chance at Rawhide.

When I first arrived here, I kept to myself, holding in my trauma and pain. Once I started to feel safer with the staff at Rawhide, I began overcoming struggles and learned how to make healthier decisions. Changing my mindset helped me recognize the great support system I have here and at home. I never want to take it for granted again.

I earned the Student of the Month because I stayed focused on my school work, stayed out of trouble and got my tasks done. My biggest motivation to successfully complete my program is to be a better role model for my younger siblings when I return home.

Thank you for supporting Rawhide so I could have the opportunity to be here. Without Rawhide, I would not have learned how to make better choices, respect others and have good manners.

Sincerely,

Dayteon