Eric, right, left a life of gangs and drugs behind with help from the Unity Care Group. Now he is training to become a licensed auto mechanic.

Wish Book Home

Thanks to Mercury News readers, all of the wishes in the 2003 Holiday Wish Book will be fulfilled. Links to details below:
Family
Food & Shelter
Education
Hope

Make an online donation

About Wish Book

Contact us

Bright future ahead
GANG MEMBER TURNS HIS LIFE AROUND WITH A LITTLE HELP

by the age of 16, Eric had done it all -- used drugs, sold drugs, joined a gang, dropped out of school, committed several felonies and done time in Juvenile Hall.

But since the day he was accepted into a Unity Care residential program, things have been looking up for Eric, who asks that his last name not be used, to protect his new life.

``They helped me out a lot,'' says the soft-spoken young man, who is working toward a future with real promise for the first time. ``They gave me choices, and I got to make my own decisions. I realized I wanted to do some things I didn't do before. I got my GED. I am back going to school, and I got my résumé done.''

A non-profit youth development program serving the South Bay, the Unity Care Group offers a wide range of educational and social programs geared toward disadvantaged young people. Eric lived in one of the agency's residential-care homes and received drug counseling and support while he got back on his feet.

``The staff made it clear what I needed to do and what the consequences were of not doing it,'' he says. ``I just kicked in and decided to do what I had to do. The staff was really helpful, and a few of them had been through the same thing I had -- and worse.''

Gradually, Eric started to feel successful. He has moved back in with his mom, but this time he is keeping his promise to work and contribute to expenses. Now he is looking for a job while he is enrolled at the Sequoia Institute, a Fremont vocational program where he is training to become a licensed mechanic. He dreams of owning an auto repair shop where he can specialize in race cars, he says with the hint of a smile in his voice.

Readers can help Eric keep on track. Donations in increments of $50 (11A) will help with the tuition costs for the two-year Sequoia program. Each $25 (11B) will buy gift certificates Eric can use to buy tools and supplies. And $52.50 (11C) buys a month's bus pass to get to and from school.