November 8,2011

Last August, Dawan Hatch, Jr. was homeless and wandering through life. One year later, he graduated from Everest College with a dual certification in phlebotomy and medical assistance, earning a 4.0 GPA and securing a job in diabetic education at Healing Our Village.

Dawan landed on the streets at the age of 16, abandoned by a family that could not care for him. He battled homelessness for thirteen years, living in shelters and performing odd jobs for little money. He felt he had no future. That is, until he met Iona Sebastian and Vivian Mojica, two staff members at our Hermano Pedro Multicultural Day Program.

While working with Dawan, Iona and Vivian encouraged him to apply to college and dream bigger about his future. Energized by their idea, Dawan chose to study nursing. “I wanted to help others the way I’ve been helped,” he said. Dawan applied for scholarships with Vivan’s help and completed his certifications at Everest College. The president of Everest was so impressed with Dawan that he nominated him for the Dream Fellowship, which Dawan hopes to use to earn a bachelor’s degree.

Vivian and Iona gave him unwavering support. They arranged for his transportation. They found him housing. They let him use office computers for his assignments.

Now, Dawan’s prospects are bright. “Catholic Charities has been a blessing,” he said. His accomplishments have inspired others at Hermano Pedro, and Dawan motivates them to stick with their goals. “I don’t think I would have started school without the help I got here. And I know I wouldn’t have finished. I don’t know where I’d be.”