As a young person, *Gabe yearned to be understood, to find a place where he felt like he belonged. He left home as a teenager and couch-surfed, while navigating his feelings of isolation and anxiety about his future.
“I had nowhere to go, and no one to talk to,” he said. “At that time, I realized I really needed someone in my life to give me advice and proper guidance. Without that, I didn’t know where I was going or what would happen in the next couple of years.”
Gabe started visiting Covenant House’s drop-in centre for support, and one day saw a poster for the Mentorship Program. “I thought, why not give it a try? The more supports and programs, the better.” He signed up and a week later met Hoss—a mentor who understood his struggles in ways few others could.
Hoss had faced his own challenges growing up. His struggles with his own mental health motivated him to become a mentor, “I wanted to be there for someone the way I needed someone to be there for me,” he said.
When Gabe and Hoss met, they instantly connected. Their shared experiences created a strong bond built on trust and understanding. Their first meeting started with a Zoom call, but they have since explored coffee shops, parks, and even visited the museum together, finding common ground in their love for art. Through texts, calls, and in-person meetings, Hoss is always there to offer advice and encouragement.
“I share with him updates on my life - both the good and the bad. I really feel like I’m not alone anymore,” Gabe said. “Hoss has been there for me through so much. He always reminds me that things will get better. Even when I feel hopeless, he shows me there’s a way forward.”
Gabe is now focused on healing, learning life skills, and building a brighter future. He is attending college and dreams of becoming an art director.
For Hoss, mentorship is a two-way street. “I’ve learned just as much from Gabe,” he said. “His strength and determination remind me that healing and growth are possible, even after the hardest times.”