His Foundation for Success started at Rancho

His Foundation for Success started at Rancho San Antonio

Earlier this year, Rancho San Antonio heard from David, a former resident who had once been part of Executive Director Aubree Sweeney’s very first caseload as a social worker nearly 29 years ago. Reaching out to Aubree to share an update on his life, he reflected on the impact she and Rancho had during an important chapter of his journey. What began as a simple thank you became a powerful reminder of the lasting connections formed at Rancho and why this work matters.

“Things never improved for me at home, but I learned so many things and was able to disconnect from everything negative in my life and keep moving forward.”

The alumnus shared that although life after Rancho was not easy, the foundation built during his time here stayed with him. He described returning home to difficult circumstances; an abusive father, a mother struggling with alcoholism, and challenges no young person should ever have to face alone.

Despite the obstacles, he persevered. Emancipated at 17, David worked two jobs after graduating high school, and eventually met the woman who became his wife. Together, they built a beautiful life. Today, he serves as a supervisor for a water district in Corona and his wife is a middle school principal. They are raising three daughters and are proud to report that they have an early college graduate who is heading to law school.

Perhaps one of the most meaningful parts of his story: “I never got arrested again, stayed positive, and shared my journey with some of my wife’s kids at school who are heading down negative paths.”

Nearly three decades after his time at Rancho, David reflected on the guidance and kindness Aubree showed him as his social worker. It was clear the impact she had on his journey at Rancho and beyond. In his email he shared, “Really awesome that you are still there helping all these boys! Rare that someone stays put as long as you did… they couldn’t ask for a sweeter, kinder person.”

At Rancho San Antonio, we know that real change does not happen overnight. For many of our youth, healing begins with having someone believe in them when they are struggling to believe in themselves. Years later we often see the impact and healing that comes from this investment in young people. Stories like David’s reflect the importance of consistent guidance and compassion in helping young people move beyond trauma, rebuild their sense of self, and empower them to risk, change, grow.℠