“Some people have choices to be a gang member. I was born into it.” – Danny
Danny never decided to be a gang member. In his words, “Some people have choices to be a gang member. I was born into it.”
He was only 6 or 7 years old when he watched his dad try to take his mom’s life. Then at age 11 he was jumped into a gang. “I just followed the footsteps of my family,” he said. “If they were gang members, I was going to be a gang member.”
But it didn’t stop there. Drugs also came with the lifestyle and by the age of 18 he was sentenced to 10 years in prison. After his release, Danny knew he needed help. He tried various rehabs and hospitals but nothing worked.
Then he was introduced to Teen Challenge.
At his wife’s encouragement, Danny decided to give it a try. While at the men’s center in Shafter, he had a profound encounter with God during a chapel service and his life was radically changed.
At our eight residential centers throughout Southern California, we have 650 beds for men and women seeking freedom from addiction. In order to stay true to our message that freedom can only be found in Christ, Teen Challenge of Southern California does not request federal or state funding but operates solely through the donations of supporters like you.
Because of that, we can be there for people like Danny who desperately need help overcoming addiction.
Danny may not have had the choice whether to be a gang member. However, he made the courageous decision to walk away from the lifestyle and give his heart to Jesus Christ. Teen Challenge showed him how. Will you help us share that message with others who also need hope?