This year, James begins his senior year at a local high school. His journey hasn’t been easy. James lost his mom to cancer during his freshman year, and not long after, his dad was incarcerated. His mom had been a well-known afterschool program director, and her absence has been felt at every milestone since, such as his promotion at a local chain restaurant, planning his life after graduation, and senior photos. And now, as senior year unfolds, James faces big moments ahead like homecoming, prom, and graduation without her by his side.

The incarceration cycle is one that often leaves our students without a stable place to live. James tried living in a more steady situation with family, but when his dad returned from jail that year, he chose to live with him. Unfortunately, that ended abr

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