Exposure for Troubled Youth

My name is Temisha Hill. I am a single parent of four children. My oldest is 21 (biological sister), the second oldest is 16 (biological niece), the knee baby is 14 (biological nephew) and the baby is 7 (biological son). This story is about my 14-yearold. His name is Isaiah Hill. Recently he has been getting into a lot of trouble due to lying, stealing, fighting, and showing a total disregard for authority. As a parent, I see these behaviors as a cry for help, especially given his history. After exhausting all my personal resources, I began to look outside of my normal comfort zone for assistance and found French Camp Academy. I am requesting assistance with paying for Isaiah's tuition, travel, hotel stay, initial fees and material needs associated with attending this Christian boarding school located in Mississippi. We will be driving from Florida on June 1st (10 hour drive) and he will be moving into his dorms on June 4th.  I'd like to share a bit of the letter Isaiah wrote about himself that assisted with getting him accepted into French Camp Academy.

Hello, my name is Isaiah Hill. I have struggled through life due to loss and challenges. At the age of two, my father was murdered. I hear he made a name for himself in the streets, but when he died, he left me with no male role model. At the age of 9, my mother was diagnosed with a chronic disease. The state of Florida said she was no longer fit to be our mother... In December, it will be six years. I haven’t seen or heard from my mom since June 2012. At first we had our troubles because my sister and I really wanted to go back home. I know we were fortunate to have a family member to take us in, but it was hard to adjust to the new rules and emotions...

Recently I found out more about my father’s side of the family. Ms. Olgesby is a teacher at my school. Her last name made me ask questions and I found out that Ms. Olgesby is my dad’s first cousin... This excites me but it concerns my Auntie because of the way my father and Uncle died. They were both murdered because of their life in the streets. I don’t understand her concerns because I am not them, I am me. True I don’t always make the best choices, but I try. I don’t have a male to show me the right way to go. My Auntie is not married and does her best but I need help and she can’t help me. I know she loves me. It’s just sometimes I don’t feel it and I act out...

Trying to be the best me, 

Isaiah Hill

I love my son! Isaiah recently made contact with his father's family. I spoke with his Grandfather in an attempt to reconnect him with this missing piece of his life and discovered that his grandfather had two sons named after him (meaning two different women felt the need to name their son's Jr.) and that both of them are dead due to their involvement in street activity. This more than concerned me because this is two different women, two different households, one common denominator (Mr. Olgesby) and the same results; DEAD. NOT MY SON!

The horrifying part is that Isaiah hungers for involvement with this family, as he is the oldest male in our household and our extended family lacks older male role models. At 14 years old, Isaiah has a great desire to identify with any male than could tell him who he is. He is vulnerable, gullible and desperate for male guidance. Knowing that my niece age 16 is the oldest of their father's five children and that my nephew is the youngest at age 14 (there are three mothers involved), I do not in good conscience feel that the Olgesby family would or could be a positive influence on my son. 
I was totally scared of loosing him! 

I researched, prayed, cried, and conversed with my son and we were led to French Camp Academy; a Christian boarding school that caters to situations just like ours.

I was so pleased with this option that I run to get everything done that needed to be completed for my son to receive a real chance at success. He's been through so much, and we're both excited about his future. French Camp will cost $500 a month, I'd like assistance with covering his first year of tuition which is $6,000.  On June 4th, the initial fee $863 is due, it covers June and July (prorated) tuition- $613, the entrance fee- $165 and school mandated attire- $85.

In order to get him there, I will need to rent a car from June 1st - June 5th due to it being a 10-hour drive and my car not being able to handle the task ~ $450. We'll need hotel stay on Thursday June 1st through Sunday June 4th ~$230. After I get him unpacked and settled in, I'm back on the road. He also needs material items: khakis, polo shirts of a specific color, and many other items listed on the 'FCA List of Needed Items for Boys'. 

Please help, I can't do this alone. Every dollar amount counts! Isaiah needs help; he and I both know that I can't give it to him. I'd rather my son be influenced by positive strangers than negative family! 
Please know that your contributions bless Isaiah, all the children in our home, myself and every one that Isaiah will impact due to experiencing this amazing opportunity.