When Dylann was referred to Open House in late 2022, he was a young person carrying far more than most teenagers should. He was disengaged from school, struggling with intense anger, and finding it difficult to communicate, connect socially, or take responsibility for his actions. Motivation was low, commitments were hard to keep, and relationships with family and friends were strained. Above all, Dylann needed a place where he felt he belonged, somewhere safe to grow, learn, and rediscover hope.

In his own words, Dylann describes himself at that time as “a very angry teenager.”

From the moment Dylann joined the Open House Youth Workshop Mentoring Program, something began to shift. Through consistent support, practical experiences, and genuine relationships, Dylann was given opportunities not just to learn skills, but to rebuild confidence and trust in himself and in others.

By attending job sites and hands-on workshops, Dylann developed practical life and work skills in carpentry, building, mechanics and maintenance. These experiences helped him learn responsibility, perseverance, and the importance of showing up, not just for tasks, but for people. Over time, his motivation grew, and his ability to keep commitments strengthened. Most importantly, his relationships with family and friends, once fractured, have significantly improved.

One moment stands out as a turning point. On a particularly difficult day, Dylann arrived at Open House extremely heightened and angry. Instead of sitting indoors, the team took him out to Hanging Rock. Surrounded by nature, something unexpected happened. Dylann paused, took it all in, and quietly said:

“I can’t believe how getting out in nature actually calms me down and helps me refocus on what’s important.”

That moment captured what Open House is about, meeting young people where they are, and walking alongside them as they discover healthier ways to regulate emotions, reflect, grow and move forward.

As Dylann continued to engage in Open House programs and events, he discovered something else, the joy of helping and serving others. Through hospitality experiences, he learned food safety, barista skills, and customer service. These weren’t just technical skills; they gave him pride, purpose, and a sense of contribution. For the first time, Dylann could see himself as someone who adds value to his community!

The most powerful chapter of Dylann’s story came at the end of this year.

Against the odds, Dylann graduated from school.

He shared his excitement and pride with the entire Open House team, explaining that this achievement was more than a personal success, it was a historic milestone for his family. Dylann was the first person in his family to ever graduate from school.

For Dylann, graduation wasn’t just about finishing school. It was about resilience, growth, and believing that his future could look different from his past.

Dylann’s journey is a powerful reminder of what can happen when a young person is given time, support, and a place to belong. Through Open House, he found more than skills, he found stability, purpose, friendship and hope.

And most importantly, he found belief — in himself!