Ozzy’s Story

I am 21 years old, working hard as a contractor. And using what I learned at Higher Ground, I stayed disciplined, worked hard, and as a result, I just bought my own house.

I was in 7th grade when I joined Higher Ground. I was part of the students that were displaced to Hollinger during the closure of Wakefield. Combined with the lack of a father in my life and other trauma, I felt I had nowhere to go. I was consistently angry and was engaged in disciplinary actions at my school.

Due to Higher Ground's partnership with Hollinger and principal Brian Lambert, I met several Higher Ground staff at the Hollinger campus daily. Eventually, Mr. Lambert recommended that I begin attending Higher Ground to help me with some coping mechanisms. I joined the judo/BJJ program, and after months of constant mentoring and family support, I began to trust the staff at Higher Ground.

Along with my mother, I found comfort and holistic support at Higher Ground. I began to achieve some of my behavior goals and was soon doing better in school. By 8th grade, I joined the competition team and began traveling to different places.

Life continued to be difficult, and I had many ups and downs. Despite all of this, I found Higher Ground as a safe place to learn and grow. I felt a sense of belonging that motivated me to coach younger students in judo and BJJ.

I continued to compete, and one day, I was selected to travel to San Diego and compete for judo state championships. This was a life-changing and eye-opening trip for me. It was my first time seeing the beach and my first time out of the state. I realized that if it was possible for me to see other places because of how hard I have been working on the mats and the relationships I had built with Higher Ground, it was possible for me to achieve what I want in my life if I work hard enough and had the right people around me.

So I did. I graduated high school and found a great job that I liked. I worked hard and surrounded myself with people who wanted to make themselves better. And two years later, I am helping support my mom, bought my own house, and continues to get promoted at my work.

If Higher Ground hadn't been there for me, I wouldn’t see myself in the position I am currently in. I thank Higher Ground for showing me love and support in many ways, and that if I can make it out of a bad place, I want others to know that many youths in the same position can too.