Malik has always been drawn to new experiences. Whether it’s trying a new recipe, traveling to a new city, or learning a new skill, he thrives on discovery. His journey to CHIL is no exception—it was a new step in his life, one that has helped him build a stronger foundation for the future.
Born in Oak Lawn, Malik’s early years were filled with instability. He grew up without parents, navigating a difficult home life before eventually moving out of state. When he turned 18, he returned to Illinois, but the situation he found himself in wasn’t what he had hoped for. He wasn’t being treated right, and he knew he needed to make a change. That’s when a relative told him about CHIL.
Since arriving at CHIL in October 2024, Malik has embraced every opportunity that has come his way. “I feel like the people who work here are doing their part to support the youth here – it’s just up to us if we want that support,” he says. He’s taken that belief to heart, actively working toward his goals with the help of CHIL’s programs.
One of his biggest priorities is finishing his high school diploma. He’s also focused on building a stable future, and CHIL has helped him enroll in forklift training—a skill he’s had experience with before but wants to keep as a backup plan while earning and saving money. At the beginning of January, he moved into CHIL’s Rights of Passage (ROP) program, a significant step toward independent living. Here, he can stay for two years while saving money, exploring new hobbies, and finding stability.
But Malik’s dreams extend beyond practical skills. He has a passion for traveling and seeing the world. He loves construction, sports—especially football and fighting—music, and cooking. Lately, he’s been thinking about turning that last passion into a career. “I might want to be a chef,” he says, considering the possibilities.
Through it all, Malik remains determined to create the life he wants. He knows what it’s like to be in an unhealthy environment, and his advice to others going through tough times is simple but powerful: “Try to find your happiness instead of staying in an unhealthy environment.” For Malik, happiness is about moving forward, embracing new experiences, and making the most of every opportunity. And at CHIL, he’s doing just that.
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