Ayden's Story: InZone Opened the Door

When Ayden first arrived at InZone this fall, he was struggling with his grades and getting into trouble at school-like most of the students in our program. He had just moved in with his grandparents, and the transition to a new school and new home had been very hard for all of them.

InZone seeks to provide a safe place for our students and their families. InZone offers emotional, behavioral, and academic support to each student and seeks to partner with the family every step of the way.

“InZone has helped me not get Fs, stay on track, not get lazy, and control myself,” said Ayden when we asked about InZone. “It has helped my family by helping me focus on the future instead of the past.”

“If someone is making bad grades and having problems making friends this is the program for them,” he said. When asked why, “because there are other kids like that here too.”

Over the last few months, we’ve seen a lot of growth in Ayden. His grades continue to come up, as well as his behavior in and out of school. He has found somewhere to belong amidst the chaos he has been through. He is respectful, kind, and learning every day.

“InZone is helping him find himself and be aware of his behavior,” his Nana added. “We would recommend this to other families without a doubt.”

When a student participates in InZone, we seek to plug them in to a local youth ministry. It’s meant to address the spiritual needs of each student and, for Ayden, it was invaluable.

While in church last week, Ayden prayed to receive Jesus Christ as his Savior. He has been so full of hope and shared it multiple times with the other students.

“If it wasn’t for InZone, he wouldn’t be in Sunday school or Wednesday night church services,” his Nana told us. “InZone opened the door for him to hear the message of Jesus.”

This is why we do what we do. We aim to see grades improve and behaviors change, but we ultimately exist so that kids and families alike will come to know Jesus Christ as their personal savior.