When Justin arrived at Ozanam more than a year ago, he described himself as argumentative, emotionless, frustrated and overwhelmed.

Living at home and in multiple placements, he had been collecting the anger and sadness of a family in crisis. He needed to come to terms with his own feelings and develop a plan for his future. At Ozanam, he achieved these goals and more.

"Staff members were good to me even though I wasn't good to them at first," Justin said. "I felt like they cared."

Several weeks after his arrival, Justin began taking advantage of the opportunities around him. He volunteered to do light yard work off campus, an activity made possible by senior staff member Judy Hart, who immediately became a strong role model for him.

"Mrs. Hart helped me see a whole new view of Ozanam," he said. "I thought it was just a place kids had to come to live, but it's really a place that can help you if you're open to it."

He obtained a job at a nearby restaurant with help from staff member Rick Farrington, who teaches students how to build resumes and interview skills.

"I like feeling responsible," Justin explained. "I have more freedom now, and my freedom changed with how I changed."

As Justin's confidence increased, he became more involved and helpful to others.

"At my house, there was always fighting," he explained. "Here, I always tried to help out because I learned that it works better and makes you feel better than fighting."

He participated in a variety of classes from computers to photography, and his grades continued to rise.

"I got involved in everything," he said, "But mostly, I got involved in people."

One person in particular, his mentor, helped him understand the benefits of friendship. Ozanam introduced the pair one year ago near his 15th birthday, and they have spent several hours a week together ever since.

"He's like a second father to me," Justin explained.

As he prepares to leave Ozanam this summer, he intends to stay in touch with his mentor while living with family members and planning for his future.

"I just got a 3.85 GPA, so I want to finish high school and go for a college scholarship," he said.

He even has a plan to earn extra money by building upon his work experience that began at Ozanam.

"I have money saved up from my job now because Ozanam makes us save 75% of every check," he said. "I'm going to put it in a bank and earn interest, then when I leave, I'm just going to transfer to a different restaurant and still save 75% for college."

Today Justin describes himself as joyful, excited and happy - much different than the boy who arrived at Ozanam more than a year ago.

"You just have to keep believing that good things happen to good people, and keep trying," explained Justin. "Now I've finally started enjoying life."