Redemption Against All Odds
From The Next Door Inc.:
by Jordan Flores
The Dalles Ore., April 11, 2024 — When Alex was 12, he made a mistake that would change his life forever. Convicted of a crime, he was sentenced to three years at a youth correctional facility hundreds of miles from his home where he felt lost, alone, and afraid. However, fate had a different plan in store for Alex.
Following his time served, Alex came to the Klahre House, one of The Next Door Inc.’s (TNDI) alternative schools, where he began receiving mental health and counseling services and therapeutic schooling. The teachers and staff believed in his potential and were empathetic in supporting his personal and academic growth. They worked with him to overcome his traumas, empowered him to see beyond his mistakes, and helped him focus on creating a brighter future for himself.
During this time, Alex was also placed in foster care with one of TNDI’s foster families who welcomed him with open arms. His foster parents, Sarah and Mark, understood his struggles, showed him grace and support, and provided a safe, nurturing environment for Alex to thrive. They would often take him shopping at thrift stores or The Dollar Tree where Alex could spend his allowance to buy everything he needed for his future home.
Eventually, Alex graduated from the Klahre House’s program and earned his high school diploma. The very next day, Alex was hired as an associate at a business just down the street from his mom’s house. He moved home with everything Mark and Sarah had stored for him and a second chance at a successful life.
Seventeen years later, Alex is still with the same company. He's worked his way up from being an associate to now being the General Manager. He’s also since moved out of his mother’s home, became a homeowner, and is the proud father of a 7-year-old boy.
Alex is just one example of the youth who benefit from TNDI’s programs. With your help, we can continue to provide therapeutic support to at-risk youth, both in our community and within Oregon, to empower them through their healing, growth, and development journeys. Now through June 30th, your gift will be matched up to $25,000! Visit nextdoorinc.org/donate to double your impact today.
The Next Door Inc. (TNDI), the largest social service agency in the Gorge, was founded in 1971 to address the unmet need for support services for youth. Today, TNDI’s employees facilitate over 35 programs that strive to fulfill our mission of opening doors to new possibilities by strengthening children and families and improving communities in Oregon and Washington. For more information, please visit https://nextdoorinc.org/
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