Alex's Story

At the age of 16, I had dropped out of high school and left home. I was introduced to prostitution at 17. Having a pimp with nowhere else to go and no education made it extremely hard to even begin to attempt to make something of myself. My biggest goal since dropping out has always been to get my GED. However, I didn’t have the confidence in myself, nor did I have the resources available. 2014 was the year I was supposed to graduate. It’s now 2019. 5 years. 5 years!! And I can finally say this is the first time I’ve ever felt proud of myself.

I just want to say thank you to Children of the Night for giving me this opportunity. Never once have I felt judged because of my past. Instead, I’ve received nothing but kindness and encouragement. To my surprise, I passed each test on the first try and none of it would’ve been possible if it weren’t for the WOW program, Ms.Ventura, and my tutors. A couple weeks ago I received a call from Ms. Ventura asking if I had any tattoos related to prostitution. She told me she had an opportunity for me to meet with their partnering dermatologist to get it removed with no cost, and immediately tears filled my eyes. I had become so discouraged because of my tattoo being so dark that even after paying for 6 sessions of tattoo removal my Pimp’s “brand” was something I had to look at on myself every day. Just as I began to lose hope, once again, that hope was restored.

I look at Children of the Night as my blessing, my angels. As I know so many others do as well. Thank you, Children of the Night for helping me change my life for nothing but the better. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for me now!! 

- Alex