Danny's Story

Meet Danny. 

Danny is funny, energetic, and spunky, and he recently found safety in CEDARS Emergency Shelter. When he first arrived, he struggled to open up to staff and was hesitant to engage with the support we offered. But once we learned that Danny was living with the intense trauma he had suffered as a toddler, we took a different approach. With that adjustment, Danny began to feel more comfortable and started to settle into his new environment.  

While staying at CEDARS, Danny was preparing for something truly life-changing: he was going to become a dad. We knew how important it was for him to be present for the birth of his daughter, so plans were made ahead of time  to make sure he would be able to attend.  

When we received word that the baby’s mother had gone into labor, we calmly shared the news with Danny. He, however, could hardly contain his excitement. He rushed to get ready, ensuring he brought a small gift he had already picked out for his baby girl—a pair of tiny newborn mittens. 

Danny made it to the hospital in time to welcome his daughter into the world. Today, she inspires him to keep pushing forward—for her future, and for his own. With support from CEDARS, Danny has secured a job and enrolled in an independent living program to build a stable, hopeful life for his family. 

The challenges kids in our community face aren’t always visible. For teens like Danny, safety and stability can make all the difference. That’s why CEDARS is here. To help youth feel safe, supported, and cared for as they work toward a brighter future.