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Sometimes a struggling youth simply needs the right environment and support to turn around his or her life. Alejandro Amaya has been with CAU for just about a year but has already made significant progress toward a better future. An unfortunate home life situation led Alejandro to a short stay in a youth shelter in Bergen County before being referred to CAU. Today he lives in a CAU property and has improved his independent living skills. He is working toward his GED, maintains good grades and has obtained a national certification in food handling that allows him to work in any restaurant nationally, which is his goal.

Alejandro is thankful for the support he receives at CAU, with his counselors helping him define and stay on a life path. “They give me a lot of opportunities, and every time I have an opportunity, I take it,” he said. “They help me a lot. I feel like if they weren’t helping me I wouldn’t be where I’m at now”