From Broken Beginnings to a Beautiful Life

Jeffrey Young grew up in circumstances no child should have to face. Though the odds were stacked against him, he refused to give up. His story is one of survival, strength, and hope. As you continue reading, please be aware that this article contains emotionally challenging material and adult themes. We invite you to read with care and take space if needed.

Jeffrey and his older brother were raised in an area of Minneapolis heavily impacted by drug use, violence, and poverty. Their mother was a drug addict and their father was an alcoholic, both withdrawn and often physically abusive. When Jeffrey was around four years old, his father was arrested and sent back to prison, and since then, Jeffrey can count on one hand the amount of times he’s seen or spoken to him.

In the years that followed, their mom had various boyfriends coming and going, drug-addicted and at times violent. The adults in Jeffrey’s life that should have protected and cared for him instead became the very ones he needed protection from, and over the following years he would experience emotional and sexual abuse, as well as extreme neglect. 

It wasn’t unusual for their mother to be gone for weeks at a time, leaving the two elementary-aged children to fend for themselves. As a child, all Jeffrey wanted was for his mother to be there, and he would spend evenings wandering the streets trying to find her and bring her back home. The neighborhood was terribly unsafe, particularly for a young child, and on one of these occasions Jeffrey witnessed someone getting shot. There were times the brothers would have to steal just to have something to eat for dinner. They tried their best to appear clean and well-kept to avoid raising questions at school but often showed up wearing the same clothes for days at a time. While teachers and school staff didn’t know exactly what was happening at home, they understood that the boys required extra attention and compassion. There was one teacher in particular who looked after Jeffrey, often taking him to get food and making sure he was ok. To this day, Jeffrey remembers this teacher fondly, and has reached out to him in adulthood to thank him for showing such kindness during a terrible time in his life. 

Jeffrey and his brother would sometimes receive little gifts from kind adults who could sense that something was amiss at home. Like the two-dollar bill Jeffrey received and deeply treasured, placing it inside a little pouch he wore around his neck. One day, the bill went missing, taken by his mom. Other times, their video game consoles would disappear, and their mom assured them they were simply going to the “fix-it shop," never to be seen again. It wasn’t until he got older that Jeffrey realized all of the toys and treasured possessions that went missing were exchanged for drugs.

During one terrible evening, Jeffrey’s mother attempted to end her own life with the children in the home. The next day, the brothers were taken out of school and placed in a children's group home, where they would live together for about six months. This period of time was confusing and hard but Jeffrey was stubbornly positive, still finding ways to experience joy in the everyday. The brothers fought to be placed in the same room together, though his brother would later jokingly admit to regretting this. Jeffrey would often be up late at night, dancing to Michael Jackson’s greatest hits while his brother desperately tried to get some sleep. Though only a year and a half older, his brother was deeply protective of Jeffrey and never left his side if he could help it. 

After spending six months at the group home, the brothers moved through different foster placements, staying together until Jeffrey’s brother aged out of the system at 18. None of the homes they lived in ever truly felt like a safe haven. Some were cold and uninviting, others, deeply unsafe. Even in his most stable home, Jeffrey would overhear the quiet conversations between his foster parents, agreeing that the boys would never amount to anything. Jeffrey still found himself trying to return to his biological mother’s home, despite all of the challenges they had faced growing up.

During his late high school and early college years, Jeffrey would face even more heartache and trauma. He lost both grandparents, whom he loved deeply and were some of the only stable parts of his childhood, as well as his mother figure and father figure — two people who had stepped into the roles that had remained vacant for so long. All of these losses occurred over the span of just a few years and left Jeffrey raw, emotional, and heartbroken. He struggled with depression, and used alcohol to cope while desperately trying not to fall behind in school. Jeffrey firmly believes he wouldn’t be here today if it weren’t for his beloved golden retriever, Krypto. More than a pet, Krypto was his lifeline, offering steady, unconditional love through seasons of deep pain and isolation. In one of Jeffrey’s darkest moments, Krypto literally saved his life, knocking a bottle of pills from his hands during a suicide attempt. Saying goodbye to Krypto after nearly 11 years was one of the hardest things Jeffrey and his family have ever had to do, but they honor and think of their furry angel every day. 

Against all odds, Jeffrey earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Stout, which boasts one of the top-ranked hospitality programs in the world. Only about 3% of former foster youth go on to earn four-year degrees, and walking across that stage to receive his diploma remains one of Jeffrey’s proudest, hardest-fought victories. In addition to doing well academically, Jeffrey stayed active in sports as well, playing football throughout his entire college career. 

Jeffrey and his brother remained close, even when life took them in different directions. After Jeffrey graduated college, they no longer lived in the same state. One day, Jeffrey’s brother called him and said their daycare provider was getting deployed, and asked if Jeffrey would like to move to California and babysit his nephew. Two weeks later, Jeffrey had his bags packed and was on the road. He loved living with his brother again, and watching his nephew grow up has been one of the greatest joys of his life.

Within two months of moving to California, Jeffrey met Jenni, who would later become his wife. They now have a 2-year-old and another little one on the way! 

After years of reflection and healing, Jeffrey has forgiven his biological mother for everything they faced growing up, and considers himself fortunate to witness her living a sober, intentional life.

Anyone who has met Jeffrey agrees that he’s one of the most positive, joy-filled people. “I’ve faced some of the worst life has to offer, and for the rest of my life I only want to contribute to the best — I want to be a light wherever I go.”

He always has a smile on his face and has made it his mission to provide support and mentorship to foster youth and those coming from adverse backgrounds. He’s spent time serving in his church and volunteering, and is so proud to support The Alliance’s mission as their Engagement Specialist. 

Everything Jeffrey has endured only strengthened his belief that he’s here for a reason. He’s convinced that a beautiful life is possible for anyone — and he encourages others to keep pushing forward, no matter the odds.