Ever since I can remember I was the lonely kid, the one who sat by himself during break time, except for on the days when there were throngs of boys around me and I would be shamed and bullied in the middle. I was always different. I was statemented with several learning disabilities at a young age and from there it was a constant struggle both academically and socially. I was unhappy and never got to understand what success feels like.

That’s why I turned to my friends from the street. There, I was accepted as part of the group. All I had to do was stick a cigarette in my mouth and adopt a careless attitude and I was one of them. Soon, it led to worse, even criminal behaviours and although I did sometimes have guilty thoughts, they were infrequent and I shoved them away. This was the only place I felt accepted and that was all that mattered.

That was until I was introduced to Kol Bonaich. At Kol Bonaich, I was taught how to find success within my own situation. They provided training, therapy and most of all they gave me unconditional love and acceptance. Looking back, I see that I had no other way out from what was a fast-spinning downward spiral.

Today, I have a wonderful, supportive wife and we are the proud parents of three rambunctious children, who know that their parents love them no matter what. I have a fulfilling job as a customer services agent for a large, successful company and I enjoy going to work every day. I have finally tasted success.