Stories of Hope: Jayden Cruz credits TeenZone with easing social anxiety
My name is Jayden Cruz and I am a 17-year-old senior at New Smyrna Beach High School. I currently work at the Garlic Restaurant to make money to help my family. After high school, I hope to go to a technical school to become a lineman.
I joined Teen Zone last year to help with my social anxiety. Being a part of this group has definitely made a positive impact on my life for the better. My favorite subject in school is culinary and, thankfully, Chef Luff oversees these two great programs here at NSBHS.
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TeenZone has helped me be more social, make friends, and has helped me build self-confidence. I first heard of TeenZone from my sister, Deven Cruz. She thought that it would be good for me and help me open up more socially.
I had such a great time at last year’s TeenZone Christmas event. It was fun to see the students get gifts like headphones, shoes and new bikes! I really have made a lot of friends.
Christmas traditions for my family are opening small gifts in the morning and having a nice meal. This year I have been sick with health issues and all I really want for Christmas is to get better. A great Christmas to me would be buying gifts for my loved ones and watching their faces light up with surprise.
About this series: The FBH Community’s mission is to foster community organizations that proactively work to eradicate the causes of generational poverty. Programs such as Food Brings Hope, VCan, Pierson Family Literacy, Homes Bring Hope and the FBH Prosperity Initiative help hardworking families struggling with hunger, housing insecurity, underemployment and low levels of literacy. Overhead is covered by the Hosseini Family Foundation, so 100% of donations go directly to the programs and families. Throughout the holidays, The News-Journal is highlighting the organization by publishing the stories of some of its young participants. To donate to the organization, or to brighten the holidays by donating a gift to a child, email info@fbhcommunity.org.
This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Stories of Hope: Jayden Cruz credits TeenZone with easing social anxiety
