Rewriting Destiny: David’s Path to Possibility

Grit and Grind: Growing Up in Chicago 

At just 22 years old, David has experienced more than many might encounter in a lifetime. Growing up on the South Side of Chicago, life presented him with a unique set of challenges.  

Its streets, with stories embedded in each corner, foster a grit that shapes those who call it home. For David, this landscape was his world—a city of highs and lows, bustling with energy one moment and bracing against chilling winds the next, much like his life has been. “It’s like Chicago weather,” David describes. “One day it’s cool, next minute it’s not. There’s always something.” His words capture the instability of his youth and the stark reality faced by young Black men in neighborhoods where opportunity often feels out of reach. 

In David’s youth, structure was scarce. School was more of a playground for trouble than learning. He recalls being the kid who was "always in trouble"—a class clown who got into fights and loved a bit of mischief.  

Yet, even amidst the turbulence, there were moments of calm: he remembers being part of an African dance program in elementary school. “They had us tapping on drums,” he says, a flicker of nostalgia lighting his eyes. That music stayed with him, the rhythms lingering as one of the few stable connections in a life that often felt like a whirlwind. 

But Chicago’s tough streets taught David resilience. With the early losses of his parents and a lack of stable support, David found himself on his own. His sisters, though close, lived with boyfriends, making their homes not entirely his to share. He understood, deeply and painfully, that he didn’t want to strain their relationships for his own sake. So, David navigated life largely on his own terms, hustling, surviving, and, as he puts it, “figuring it out.” 

In an attempt to escape the harsh realities around him, David made choices that eventually landed him in jail. The isolation, the days of looking at the same walls, and the endless ticking of time changed him. Jail was a wake-up call—a moment that forced him to reflect on who he was and who he wanted to become. And in that place, he began to listen, truly listen, for the first time. He realized he wanted a different life, one defined by stability and peace, a life with purpose. 

A Lifeline to Hope  

It was through a connection he made at another local shelter that he first learned about Covenant House and our Chicago shelter. In May of 2024, he made the life-changing decision to walk through the doors of Covenant House Illinois. 

“They gave me comfort, made me feel like it was going to be okay. They gave me hope that I could get through this.” The staff members, he says, play crucial roles in guiding him on his journey. 

With a bit of grit and a lot of courage, he began to accept the support that was offered. Through CHIL’s structured programs and with the support of staff members who saw potential in him, David started to find direction. He speaks of the environment there as a grounding force—no longer was he “outside, running, in the wind.” Instead, Covenant House became his shelter, a place where he could focus on what mattered. He speaks about his newfound ability to actually listen to others, to reflect rather than react, and to recognize the value of community. 

One of David’s proudest achievements came from his commitment to a job training program, where he earned perfect attendance. “The Chicago Urban League was one of the connections CHIL’s workforce team made for me. They helped me with professionalism, elevator pitches, and even got me a headshot for LinkedIn. They also helped me build my resume and develop both soft and hard skills,” he recalls. Additionally, through the Cara Collective job training program at CHIL, David learned valuable lessons in teamwork, time management, and communication, all while balancing the challenges of his probation requirements. 

Transformative Moments and New Aspirations  

A defining moment in his journey was when he met Congressman Danny Davis during a visit to CHIL. “It felt good to meet someone with that kind of influence. Shaking his hand made me feel like I had some of that power too,” David says.  

David said the more opportunities he was granted access to, the more he began to change. He discovered a passion for business and found himself in a pitch competition that would further alter his trajectory.  

The night before his presentation, David experienced a momentary setback and found himself in jail. He was so anxious to get to the pitch, that when he was released, he hurried to the venue, leaving his belongings behind. The judges, who had grown concerned while anxiously awaiting David’s arrival, were moved to tears by his story and passion. David won first place, earning $1,500 for his business concept—TNT Wraps. “That was the first time I felt like this is something I want to do—and could do,” he says proudly. Now, he’s actively working toward making his entrepreneurial dreams a reality, saving money and planning for the future.