Help Elijah Reach a New Beginning: Support His Journey to Boys Town

At RPAL, we believe every young person deserves safety, stability, encouragement, and the chance to thrive. Today, we’re asking our community to help make that possible for one incredible young man: Elijah.

Elijah is a high school freshman and an active member of RPAL’s CHAMP program, music program, and sports activities. He is known by staff and peers as outgoing, respectful, kind-hearted, and full of potential. Whether he’s learning to play the drums, spending time in the recording studio, or participating in programs with enthusiasm, Elijah shows up with a bright spirit and a willingness to grow.

His music teacher describes him best:

“He is a young man who continues to demonstrate kindness, patience, maturity beyond his years, and a level of humility that reflects genuine personal growth and wisdom.”

Behind Elijah’s smile is a story of hardship and resilience.

During a recent RPAL youth trip to Lake Tahoe, Elijah shared with the Executive Director that he and his family are currently living in a shelter. He quietly expressed how grateful he was just to sleep in a real bed that night. He also shared something even deeper—his wish for a chance to get away from the struggles surrounding him and build a better future.

After careful exploration, Elijah now has an extraordinary opportunity to attend Boys Town—a nationally respected program that provides youth with a stable, loving family environment, structure, mentorship, education, and the support needed to succeed.

For Elijah, this is more than a trip.

This is a fresh start.

This is hope in motion.

This is a chance to grow in peace and possibility.

Our Goal: $3,000

We are raising funds to help Elijah make this life-changing transition, including:

Airfare for Elijah and an RPAL alumni mentor to accompany him safely to Omaha

A round-trip holiday flight home so he can stay connected to family

Basic spending money and personal essentials for his transition

Immediate support related to the move

At the same time, RPAL staff are actively working to help Elijah’s mother and younger sister secure more stable housing.

How You Can Help

Every donation—large or small—moves Elijah one step closer to a safe home, quality education, mentorship, and a brighter future.

If you’ve ever believed that one opportunity can change a life, this is that moment.

Please donate today and share Elijah’s story. Together, we can help this remarkable young man step into the future he deserves.

Thank you for believing in Elijah.