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Meet Justin Tellez (age 20)
Justin was born in Phoenix, Az and grew up in the foster care system. Growing up he moved around alot and experienced several group homes. When he turned 18 years old, he aged out of the system and was forced into homelessness. He relocated to the Phoenix Human Service Campus a.k.a. CASS.
Justin lived in the CASS shelter (and occasionally in the tents of "the Zone") for several months. He describes this experience as "crazy & unsafe". There were many nights where he was afraid for his life. He believes that if he had not gotten out he would have ended up sick or dead. In 2023, Justin was recruited into a smaller, more-stabile youth homeless shelter, where he made friends, and began to receive the support/structure he needed to get back on his feet.
Since then, Justin has begun to find hope again in his life. Justin likes to help others, and even speaks about helping people overcome hardships He has a deep passion for knowledge, and likes to read books and learn new things. Justin also values family, and is working on building a relationship with them.
Justin graduated high school in 2019. He is looking forward to continuing his education at GCU as a biology major. His passion for animals and nature will help him have a promising career.
More on Justin:
Justin's Educational Experience: https://youtu.be/aXSaq14TA9A
Justin 2025 Update: https://docs.google.com/document/d/14ohvsUfdYeek2hngOMe5rJgq3wpIw27FqcHVAi7jKVY/edit?usp=sharing
Meet Kashaii "Kash" Ingleton (age 23)
Kashaii “Kash” Ingleton (age 19) was born in the Bronx, NY, and comes from a Jamaican heritage.
His family moved to Arizona in 2012 to pursue better economic opportunity. When things didn’t go as planned, Kash was left to find his own way in the world, with limited support. After experiencing a few homeless shelters, he became determined to do better for himself and his future.
Kash has faced many challenges in life including struggling with mental health. However he continues to persevere against all obstacles and pursue his dreams. Kash gives thanks to God for keeping him safe during risky situations in his life and helping him stay positive in stressful and confusing times.
Currently Kash is pursuing a nursing degree at Grand Canyon University and working hard to set a positive example for his mom and younger siblings.
2025 Kash Update: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Co7Pq_8xdxKxAFMox-Osjp9Nyzf_kQg1KUgQTvQUVcE/edit?usp=sharing
Ali Fordenbacher (age 24)
Ali was born in Ukraine, and immigrated into the United States as a child. She grew up with an adopted family and moved to Arizona at 12.
When she was 18, she found herself homeless. After surviving the dangers of CASS for a couple years, she managed to secure stable housing in the community and determined to never look back.
Throughout her life, Ali has perservered through many hard situations. She knows what its like to be labeled and discouraged from achieving her goals. However she has managed to push forward and breakthrough challenging situations. She also attributes her success to her pet Mishka.
Ali graduated from high school at Gateway Academy, and now desires to pursue her goals and dreams. She enjoys art, poetry, and writing. She also helps lead Group meetings to encourage others to stay motivated and keep a positive attitude. She is also passionate about helping youth overcome their challenges and pursue their goals and dreams. Ali aspires to be a loving mother someday, and help her family come to the United States in stabile living.
More on Ali:
Ali On Overcoming Limitations https://youtu.be/lJqW5kTtiSM
2025 Ali Update: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1dy-WW1RjIQN1GXq2JagwqPI9DHpRWroZr6t-Xha2luU/edit?usp=sharing