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Ollie’s Story:

When you have a sickle cell anemia crisis, you feel like your blood and your bones are on fire. I was a junior in high school. After time in the hospital, going back to live with family or friends meant dealing with trauma or domestic violence or substance abuse or homophobia. I wanted independence and stability. I wanted to belong. I found Outside In.   

I dreamed of a career in coding or game design. At Outside In, they understood what I needed. They helped me to build work experience. They provided housing that worked for me, and nutritious food choices every day. They set up health insurance at the clinic for my blood work.  

With Outside In’s help, I applied to one of the most rigorous software training programs in the country. I earned scholarships. Outside In connected me with a mentor in the tech industry who also identifies as gender non-binary, which was so helpful, and I graduated on time.  

Last spring, I got my first job as a Development Operations Engineer, and I moved into my own apartment! I think about travel, and maybe writing a book someday. I see a whole world ahead of me.

Your gift transforms lives like mine, and thousands of others. The chances Outside In provides for learning, growth, health, and stability are only possible because kind people like you take action. Please make a gift to Outside In today.