Jonathan

As told to Allan Griffey, a RILA volunteer

There is a lot of crime and delinquency in my home country. It has been like that for more than 10 years. Prior to being forced and threatened to join a gang, I was a student. Gang members will generally try to recruit 16 to 18-year-olds. If you don't join, then they will start to threaten you and your family. For me, they started to get me to join when I was in the 9th grade, and I said no. You can't go to the police because the police are afraid or are part of the gang in some form. 

I miss my Grandma. She raised me as a child because my mother was working. Unfortunately, due to the circumstances I was facing, I was unable to say goodbye when I left my home country. I talk to her on the phone; however, it is not the same for me. I just wish I could hug her. 

I am still adjusting [to living in the US]. I take it day by day. At first, I was just going to school but then started working. My adjustment overall has been difficult. The most difficult part has been not being around my family. My aunt lives here, however, she left for the US. when I was five, and I never really got to know her. 

I found out about RILA through a friend of my aunt. When I found out about RILA I was about to turn 18, and at that time I didn't have any money. I would have to say, RILA saved my life at the time when I needed them the most.

*Client name has been changed to protect his privacy.

Jonathan finds the most difficult part of living here has been the separation from his family.