MALACHI MORGAN

Malachi spent his first night in jail when he was just 14 years old. What was supposed to be a two-night detainment for a misdemeanor offense ended up being a 19-day stay when authorities realized Malachi had no safe home to be released to. At the time, Malachi’s only local family was his older brother and his mother who had not been well for a couple of years. Most nights, the family of three did not know where they would sleep and depended on friends, local programs, or whoever Malachi’s mom was dating.

A few months after being released, Malachi found himself staying out later and later and getting acquainted with an older more reckless group. It wasn’t long before he found himself back in jail again. And again. And again. His mother, filled with worry, decided to send him to live with his aunt in Sacramento. There, Malachi had a fresh start, a stable home, and a caring guardian. After six months, Malachi found himself in the Sacramento Juvenile Hall where he spent a week detained. Once he was released, Malachi’s aunt decided she could no longer handle his behavior and sent him back to his mom, who was sicker than ever.

Malachi was only with his mother for a few weeks before he was back in Juvenile Hall. A short week after being detained, his mother passed away. Malachi never got to say goodbye. When he was released, Malachi was sent to live in a group home. Unfortunately, he was not there long. Before his 16th birthday, Malachi was arrested again.

While in Juvenile Hall, Malachi learned of the Boys & Girls Clubs REACH program. After being arrested 12 times, Malachi was eager to change his ways and make his mother proud. Working with Director David and the REACH Program, Malachi was inspired and knew he was finally ready to do WHATEVER IT TAKES to build his great future.

This year, Malachi was honored as the REACH Youth of the Year. He is celebrating his second year holding a steady job and working with the City of Sonoma through an internship program.

"Gracias al programa REACH siento que controlo mi vida. Aquí tengo apoyo, amigos y familia que me animan. Sé que estoy destinado a grandes cosas si trabajo duro y mantengo la concentración." - Malachi Morgan.

"Malachi ha trabajado duro para cambiar su trayectoria. Ha sido un líder entre sus compañeros y sigue persiguiendo sus sueños con resiliencia y una actitud que CUESTE LO QUE CUESTE." - David, Director del Programa Reach.