My Mission

Help Lorenzo Become a Certified Peer Support Specialist

Hi, my name is Lorenzo Trout — and my goal is to spread awareness, be a voice for those in need, and advocate for my community.

When I was seven years old, I experienced trauma that changed the course of my life. I was later diagnosed with Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) — something that at the time, I didn’t fully understand. I struggled in school, made poor choices, and eventually found myself in a cycle of addiction and incarceration.

It wasn’t until I began to confront my childhood trauma that I discovered the first step toward healing and recovery. Through sobriety, I started to rebuild my life — but even then, I was still battling the patterns that had followed me since childhood. My turning point came during a one-year prison sentence, where I was introduced to Gateway HorseWorks, a nonprofit organization that incorporates horses into mental health treatment. That experience profoundly changed my life.

I learned that healing happens in connection, and that there are people — and even horses — willing to help. That lesson has guided me ever since.

My dream is to become a Certified Peer Support Specialist — someone who uses their lived experience to guide others through recovery, reentry, and healing. Eventually, I hope to start my own nonprofit to reach even more people who feel like society has given up on them.

But right now, my biggest challenge is time and stability. In order to take the classes required for certification, I need to transition out of my current jobs — which means I’ll temporarily lose my income. This GoFundMe will help me cover rent, groceries, and basic needs while I complete the program and take this next step in my journey.

Why It Matters

I know what it feels like to be the “troubled kid” — the one people count out. I know what it’s like to be the “black sheep” in the family. But I’ve also learned that it’s possible to change the pattern of default thinking, to find your higher self, and to create a better life.

Since my release, I’ve been honored to share my story across Chester County, including:

The ACES Coalition (2023)

The Chester County Reentry Coalition (2024)

Recovery Court Graduation (2025)

Justice System Partners COSSUP Storytelling Event

I was featured in the Gateway HorseWorks documentary on YouTube and in the book “Meetings with Remarkable Animals” by Martin Clunes. I now volunteer at the Chester County Youth Center, leading two small support groups! Each one of these opportunities has reinforced my belief that sharing our stories helps others heal, too.

How You Can Help

With your support, I can continue this journey — not just for myself, but for everyone who’s ever felt lost or overlooked.

Your contribution will directly help me:

Pay for rent, expenses, and groceries for three months while I attend classes and seek a new permanent position in the recovery field

Complete the certification to become a Peer Support Specialist

Continue volunteering, mentoring, and speaking in my community

I’m proof that people can change, no matter how many chances it takes. I want to use my life to help others see that too.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read my story — and for believing in second chances. Every donation, no matter the size, brings me closer to helping others find hope and healing.

With gratitude,

Lorenzo Trout