Mark used to sit in our San Bruno Youth Drop-in Center waiting for his friend. He wouldn’t speak to anyone. Mark refused to come in for food or join in any activities. He tried so hard to project a cool, aloof front.

But, behind this shy, withdrawn young man was a troubled past. Mark had been homeless, abused drugs and been a victim of domestic violence. Here was someone who needed help but didn’t know how to ask for it.

Every time the Center’s Peer Partners saw him sitting in the lobby they tried to engage him in conversation. They reminded him of the meals and games available to him inside. They tried to get him to open up. The Coaches sensed he needed medical attention, food and advice. They did not give up on Mark.

And during the last year Mark has learned to trust the people at the Center. He’s discovered he can talk about his hopes and fears in our Men’s Advisory Group. Mark is now helping out at the Center and talking about going back to school to be a psychology major to help others.

Update: The Edgewood Youth Drop-in Center is proud to announce that it has returned to San Bruno after a fire destroyed the original building last year.  The new location is at 931 San Bruno Avenue, Suite #2.

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