Boys Town of California

Megan’s Story: Leaving Drugs and Homelessness Behind

Growing up, Megan’s life was “a mess” with a mother and father who were simply not there for her. Her father was in and out of prison. Her mother was addicted to drugs and living on the streets of Los Angeles. Megan was living on the streets by the age of nine, when she also started using drugs

But, ironically, she felt like her life was going really well with no one around to tell her what to do. But that also meant there was no one there to help her make good decisions. This environment continued for four years as she lived in run down hotels and used drugs every day.

Then, when she was 13 years old, the police raided the house where she was staying and took her in for being homeless. That’s when Boys Town entered the picture and started Megan on the road to a positive lifestyle. When she arrived at a big house in L.A., she said she was “really scared.” It was the Price Assessment and Short-Term Residential Center operated by Boys Town, the first shelter she had ever experienced.

“Boys Town helped me a lot,” said Megan. “I was taught good skills and was able to see a better future. The people there showed me love and care. My life began to change the moment I walked into the Boys Town shelter and has continued to get better.”

A month later, Megan moved to the Boys Town Trabuco Canyon campus in Orange County.

“In Trabuco Canyon, I’ve experienced the same love and care I felt at Price. I am a changed person,” Megan added. “I love my life and the people around me. I have never felt like this. And I know that the day I leave this place, I’m going to be a strong person in life.”