Chapter 25: The New Beginning
Lucas and Jude launched their first major project that spring: a community center and job training program for people who’d been left behind by the old system.
On opening day, hundreds of people showed up—families, workers, kids who’d never had a safe place to go.
When Lucas cut the ribbon, he looked out over the crowd and found us standing near the front.
“This place isn’t for the rich or the powerful,” he said loud and clear. “It’s for anyone who’s ever been lied to, pushed aside, or told they don’t belong. You belong here.”
After the speeches, a woman came up to Jude. “I’m your cousin,” she said. “Your mother was my aunt. We’ve been looking for you for years.”
