Dylan's Story

During a recent walk-through of Carriage House, members of our team heard a voice from the building's roof asking if they worked at CEDARS. When they looked up to see a construction worker and kindly responded "yes," the man thanked them for all they did. The man, Dylan, explained that he had once called CEDARS home. 

As a teenager, Dylan was struggling to make positive choices. When living at home was no longer an option, he came to CEDARS until he could move into a more permanent placement. At first, he was hesitant to work with CEDARS staff and take steps to better his life. He was really down on himself and had a hard time envisioning brighter days. Dylan had lost all hope. 

However, CEDARS staff continued to invest in Dylan and try to make him feel at home. Tessa, a staff member, made sure that Dylan knew he was valued and wanted. 

"It was the first time I felt like people cared," said Dylan. 

That small exchange gave him a newfound hope. Tessa's words helped him to see what life could be like someday. 

Dylan eventually left CEDARS to move into a more permanent home. He stumbled at times, but always got back on his feet.  

Now, he is doing better than ever and recently got married. When he saw the opportunity to work on a construction project at CEDARS, he jumped at it. He wanted to come back to the place that did so much for him.  

Dylan looks forward to the days when he can drive his own kids past CEDARS to show them how he helped, but more importantly, how CEDARS helped him. 

"I don't think I could ever give back to CEDARS what they gave to me," said Dylan.