Meet Kyle
"I have learned a lot throughout these past three and half months and been doing a lot of thinking about where would I be if I wasn't accepted info the house and where I would be living and if I would have a job or would end up like everyone else. But the day I got the interview, and I got approved, I spoke to God and seen that I can make a change in my life, different from everyone else. I came from a rough environment, so when I came and moved into the house with the welcome of about two and a half dozen people I almost broke down in tears seeing how much support this program gave and is still giving at this point".
Meet Kayley
"I have had a very rough life in the 18 years I’ve been here. I’ve been through more than people that are older than me. It went from losing my parents to being sexually assaulted. I’m still trying to recover from it but I am so strong I know it will only take some time for me to grow from it and become the great person I am".
Meet Gabriella
"I was introduced to the organization on a referral of a friend on mine in English class. As I entered into a space created by people who actively practiced selflessness, I had experienced something fairly novel to me. I am held accountable by the images of each face ad each person in CUDAS UnHooked and the dedication they have shown towards my betterment. And with that knowledge I know I shall never stand alone".
Tyler, Class of 2019
Tyler is enjoying his time at Daytona State College in the Culinary School where is is doing very well academically!
Twenty-year-old Tyler Fishler just graduated from New Smyrna Beach High School. In a couple weeks, he will do something he never thought would be possible.
“College,” said Fisher, who just one year ago was homeless and sleeping on a park bench. “My situation before this was rough...my parents were on drugs -- meth specifically. That really took my life into the dumps.”
With his parents out of the picture, a friend told him about Cudas UnHooked. It’s an organization that mentors at-risk teens and even provides shelter to those with no where to go.
“It’s amazing how generous people are,” Fishler said.
The name Cudas UnHooked was inspired by the New Smyrna Beach High School mascot: the barracuda. Since 2009, they have helped more than 180 teens. Ninety percent of them go on to graduate high school.
“If they’re truly dedicated to going to school every day, finding a job, meeting with a mentor and there’s a need, then they’re a good fit for this program,” founder Shawn Lane said.
This home was all built with donations, is debt free and sits on land donated by Habitat for Humanity. Inside, five students live with house mom Dori Proshek.
“I’m so proud of you,” she said to Fishler.
They’re learning to cook, clean and thrive off of the support they so desperately need.
“This community donates money and time and volunteers and energy because they believe in our young people,” Lane said.
“I feel grateful,” Fishler said. “It makes me feel like I’m here for a reason and people believe in me.”
The potential in these teens may not have been realized if it weren’t for Cudas UnHooked.
A letter from one of our students:
"I just want to start off by saying you're an amazing person. Thank you for always looking out for me and my family. Thanks for providing me with food on my table when I did not have any. Thank you for making sure I had clothes on my back. I appreciate you and everyone involved with CUDAS UnHooked. Thanks for introducing me to a place that I can go after school to just relax or do homework, etc. and Ms. Martha as well. I'm thankful for your words of encouragement when I needed them the most. Thank you for knowing your bible and passing God's Word on to me and other CUDAS UnHooked kids. Most importantly, thank you very much for being there for me. Even though I did not open up to you that day, I know that you genuinely wanted to be there for me and I am very thankful because that's something that I did not always have in my life growing up. Thank you Mrs. Georgi. I hope you have a great Christmas and a happy New Year. God bless you!"
I really want our readers to know that none of this would be possible without their love and support. This letter is really to everyone who supports the organization, not just me".