Imagine being in a room full of people and still feeling alone – imagine being mentally attached to someone at the hip and then all of a sudden they are gone – gone too soon! Imagine being so full of rage that you have enough strength to punch a hole in a steel door or knock an entire window out – imagine being told that you would never amount to anything – imagine not having a father figure to look up to – imagine being a young Black man in the world alone – imagine being me!
Hakim is an individual who has had a series of unfortunate events, but has survived and successfully come out on top. Hakim has been living at the JBC home over the last 5 years were, he is not just a resident, Hakim is a family member. Hakim receives the same love and care that John and Rose Thornton show to their blood related family.
Hakim worked extremely hard to graduate from Orchard View High school in 2003 with his high school diploma. It is that point Hakim knew he wanted to go to college, but was not yet ready.
Currently, Hakim is employed at Goodwill Industries where he is being recognized for employee of the year – following this recognition is a banquet held in honor of his hard work and dedication. This is a major accomplishment for Hakim because he has faced tremendous struggles and has had many reasons to quit but instead he pushed through.
Hakim is now able to experience his dream of becoming a college student. In January of 2015 he registered for his 1st class and is currently obtaining a B-, which Hakim along with everyone who knows and supports him, is overly proud of.
Above all, Hakim is a proud representation of HealthWest and the proud changes that are to follow – Hakim is a conqueror, hard worker, highly motivated, Hakim, is HealthWest!!!