Xavier, 26, grew up in Los Angeles. After his father went to jail when he was 8 years old, he spent time bouncing between family members and also within the foster care system.
“The instability was the only constant in my life. I had to learn how to survive at an early age,” said Xavier.
Children cannot help their circumstance, and facing uncertainty during formative years is detrimental for many, though Xavier learned resilience.
“I encountered both physical and emotional abuse,” he said. “Over the years, I’ve had to learn to find my own voice.”
Xavier found solace at school, where he excelled in every sport offered. He was also able to find a routine and focused on getting all A’s and B’s. After high school graduation, he attended LA Pierce College.
During his time at community college, he survived by couch surfing at friends’ places. Xavier found it difficult to find a place to live, because “affordable housing in LA is not really available,” he explained.
He was also not able to access the apartments he wanted to live in or could afford, because of his credit score.
“I faced homelessness and it was pretty terrifying,” he said.
It was at Pierce College that he found out about the Seed House Project at the basic needs center. During their two-year residential program, all of members’ basic needs are met, meals are provided; and the organization offers life skills training, mental health services, financial literacy, college support, and an array of personal development activities to uplift members to lives of personal success.
“Honestly, the Seed House Project has been great”, Xavier said. “Since being here, I’ve been able to deal with mental health and trauma.”
For the first time, Xavier has been able to receive Purpose Therapy and it has enabled him to get clarity on past experiences while giving him direction for the future.
He also participates in all the community advancement activities offered, such as sports, member dinners, life skills seminars, and excursions throughout the city. “I feel like I am part of a community and I belong”, he smiled.
During his time at Seed House Project, Xavier received the grounded balance needed. He transferred to California State University, Northridge (CSUN), where he is majoring in Journalism and minoring in Africana Studies.
His future career goals include becoming a sports journalist! He plans to start off doing sports broadcasting at a local LA network and go on to major networks including ESPN, Fox, and Sports Center.
When asked for advice for others overcoming adversity, Xavier encourages others to “have an open mind.”
He continued: “I realized that I don’t have it figured out. I don’t need to be perfect, I just need to be present. Showing up keeps you focused and on track for your journey.”
