Justin
Justin spent four homeless months in Golden Gate Park, surviving on whatever food he could find. When he walked into Larkin Street’s Hire Up education and employment center, he was wearing a white shirt that had turned brown from street life. He was interested in getting a job and getting off the streets. Through working with an education specialist he quickly realized in order to obtain a job he would need a good place to sleep and take a shower. He was able to get a bed at the Lark Inn and spent several months living in Larkin Street housing while working on his employment skills at Hire Up. After learning job readiness skills and receiving vocational guidance, Justin received a Larkin Street scholarship and pursued culinary studies at City College. He has been working part-time in a restaurant earning enough money to find an apartment of his own. Justin may have come to Larkin Street in his street clothes, but he left with an attractive job and a new white monogrammed chef jacket.
At Larkin Street Youth Services, our Staff, Board members, Volunteers, Donors, and especially our youth themselves, never tire of hearing the incredible stories of other youth who discovered Larkin Street and benefited from our youth programs. Our youth stories never fail to inspire us and motivate us – year after year.
Some stories may be shared on our website. Please indicate if you would not like your story to be public.