
The Power of YSB
How YSB Became Keonte's Second Home
“If something bad happens at home and you need somewhere to go, they will come and get you. Or you can come to them, and they’ll take care of you.”
Keonte’s Life in South Bend
Keonte’, an 18-year-old from South Bend, Indiana, has roots in Oakland, California, where he was born and where his birth father and family reside. Raised in South Bend by his mother and stepfather, whom he calls “Pops,” Keonte’ lives with his mom and five younger siblings. Keonte’ is a rising senior at Washington High School, planning to graduate in spring 2025. Music is not just a hobby for Keonte’; it’s his passion and solace. He loves making all types of music to express his feelings and connect with others. “I write on how I’m feeling, and hopefully, a lot of other people can understand me. I write music for people who are going through that moment. I do a lot of rap music. A lot of hip-hop. I harmonize.”
Keonte’ works at McDonald’s, where his reliability and commitment shine through. Despite transportation challenges, he consistently makes it to work, often catching a ride from his grandma or taking the bus. “If I can’t catch the bus, I’ll walk. I do not miss work. Only God can stop me from getting to my money.” His mom describes his outgoing nature as the “icebreaker of the room,” which helps him connect with others and excel in his job and socially.

Finding a “Second Home” at YSB
Keonte’s life took a positive turn when he became part of the Youth Service Bureau of St. Joseph County (YSB) community. His journey began through his aunt's connection with YSB at church. Inspired by his cousins and siblings, who were already benefiting from the YSB Drop-In Center, Keonte’ decided to join them. His first visit left a lasting impression, as he felt an immediate connection. “I came to YSB and never looked back! I’ve always returned.” Through the Street Outreach team, which connects with at-risk youth facing neglect, homelessness, or violence, Keonte’ was introduced to the Drop-In Center. This space is where he finds friendship and support in ways he hadn’t experienced before.
YSB has been instrumental in helping Keonte’ realize his goals and dreams. “YSB helped me realize that no matter how bad you have it in life, you’re cared for. Even if the closest person in your life doesn’t show you they care about you, then I would show you that someone there cares.” This sense of being seen and supported has been crucial for Keonte’. “This is what YSB helped me realize. Them just being able to come and talk to us and chill with us and let us come here and chill with and be open with them, that just kinda what opened that up in my head. I’m seen by somebody. Even if it feels like I’m not being seen by nobody.” YSB has become a place where Keonte’ feels he truly belongs.
The Drop-In Center isn’t just a place to relax—it’s a resource hub where youth like Keonte’ can access crisis intervention, case management, and guidance to set goals for the future. YSB Drop-In Center offers a welcoming and supportive environment for Keonte’ and other youth. “At YSB, you get to meet new people and the staff members make you comfortable with being here. They let you know that this is where you can come be you. Nobody’s gonna judge you. They say, ‘If you need help with something, let us know and we can give you advice.’ If you need someone to talk to or you feel like you don’t have a friend or you feel like someone is not listening to you, come to YSB and they’ll talk to you.”
YSB’s impact on Keonte’ extends beyond just a safe space; it’s about building relationships and offering support in times of need. “What makes me comfortable with being at YSB is that no matter how upset you are, how down you are, whether you’re real happy, real excited, any of that, or none of that, they make sure that for any emotion or situation or any occasion that you’re going through that, there was gonna be somebody by your side. That’s why I keep coming back.” YSB's consistent support is a source of comfort for Keonte’. The Drop-In Center staff, in partnership with the Street Outreach team, don’t just provide a safe space. They work one-on-one with each young person to understand their unique needs and connect them with resources and life skills that help them navigate challenges and achieve their potential.
The YSB Street Outreach and Drop-In Center programs are crucial in Keonte’’s life. The Street Outreach team connects with youth facing neglect, homelessness, or violence, providing support and resources. The Drop-In Center offers a safe space for youth to receive crisis intervention, case management, and skill-building opportunities.
For Keonte’, YSB is a refuge. “If it’s really that bad and you need somewhere to go, or something bad happened at home and you don’t want to be at home and you call them and let them know I really need help, they will come and get you. Or you can come to them and they’re gonna make sure you’re taken care of.” This sense of security and reliability is a cornerstone of YSB’s impact on Keonte’’s life. “They say YSB is basically ours. You can come in when you want. You can leave when you want.”

Keonte’s Vision for Tomorrow
Keonte’s future is filled with ambition and hope. After graduating high school, he plans to pursue a two-year business degree in college. He believes that education will open more doors for him and provide the knowledge he needs to succeed in life. Simultaneously, he intends to continue his music career.
His primary motivation is being a role model for his younger siblings. “Brother’s Keeper – for them I’d risk it all,” reads one of his tattoos. The other says, “My Sister’s Protector – because of them I will not fall.” Keonte’s dedication to his family and his dreams is unwavering.
For Keonte’, YSB is more than just a support system, “YSB is like an open house. It’s like a second home,” he says. YSB has been a constant source of comfort and guidance, especially during challenging times. “You can come in, tell ‘em what you’re going through, how you feeling, why you upset, you can tell them why you’re upset, stuff that happened that traumatized you, and all they’re gonna do is be there to comfort you.”
Keonte’ dreams of helping his community through real estate rehabilitation. “A lot of the abandoned buildings that’s in South Bend? I would buy ‘em, renovate ‘em, demolish them if they have to be, and then rebuild them. I would put money into that to make sure the homeless people on the streets have shelters,” he explains. Keonte’s vision of creating safe spaces and resources for those in need reflects the values and support he received from YSB.
Keonte’s story is a testament to the positive impact of YSB’s programs. His resilience and determination, supported by the caring staff and services at YSB, exemplify the organization’s mission to help youth thrive in a safe and supportive community. As Keonte’ looks to the future, he carries with him the lessons and support from YSB, ready to achieve his dreams and make a difference in his community.
Help youth like Keonte' find solace and acceptance at a "second home" by donating to YSB.
To support YSB's Drop-In Center and Street Outreach programs, view our online giving page or contact our CEO, Christina McGovern for more options. We rely on the generosity of donors like you to make successful life stories like Keonte's possible.