From Foster Homes to Gang Life

From foster homes to staff secure lockdown facilities, my journey was far from easy. But it was in Connecticut, with my grandmother, that I found a glimmer of hope. At 12 years old, I carried a deep resentment towards my real father, who was only present in my life through money, not time or love. It was during this time that I was introduced to the gang lifestyle, specifically the Latin Kings in Pinnacle Heights, New Brain, Connecticut. This wasn't like any other Latin Kings chapter; it was unique, with its own charter and manifest. It was here that I first encountered crack and smoked my first ooli, a blunt laced with crack. The older Latin King members showed me the ropes, teaching me how to bag up dope and introducing me to a world I was too young to fully comprehend. This was my introduction to a life filled with danger and addiction. But it wasn't until years later, after a relapse and a near-fatal incident, that I found the strength to turn my life around. Stay tuned for the rest of my story. #FosterCare #GangLife #RoadToRecovery