Meet Ezra, a young adult in our Anchor Line Apartment Program. Thank you to Jamie Erkoboni, a member of our Anchor House staff and Communications Workgroup, for capturing his story beautifully.
When Ezra first arrived at Anchor House a little over a year ago, he carried everything he owned in a single bin and backpack. He remembers walking up the stairs, nervous and unsure of what to expect. “I didn’t know anyone,” he said, “but the youth here were so nice and welcoming. My roommate even offered me some food she was cooking that first day. It made me feel like I was part of something right away, despite the uncertainties I was facing.”
Ezra joined the Anchor Line Program a little over a year ago, and he says it gave him something he hadn’t had in a long time—stability. “The wraparound support here really helped me get this far,” he explained. “The staff are quick with resources and follow-up. It’s a great foundation, and it helps you get your foot in the door.”
Living in a shared apartment has also helped Ezra prepare for the realities of adult life. “It’s very realistic,” he said with a laugh. “Having roommates teaches you about responsibility, time management, and keeping up your space. It’s like my version of living in a dorm room. I’ve learned to be stricter with myself and show up for the people I live with.”
Alongside his experience at Anchor House, Ezra has been attending college, where he’s rediscovered a passion that once felt lost—music. “I used to want to be a teacher,” he said, “but my real passion has always been music. I used to produce, but I lost all my equipment when my family was evicted. Being here, in college, and surrounded by supportive people helped me realize I want to go back to it.”
Now studying his general education courses, Ezra is planning to lean into music production, learning from inspiring professors and building new connections. He also works at Wawa, where he’s been able to establish a rhythm that suits him. “People notice my energy and my smile even on tough days,” he shared. “I try to stay positive, situations could always be worse, and you never know what others are going through.”
That mindset didn’t come easily, but it’s become one of the most powerful parts of Ezra’s story. “A year and a half ago, I had nothing to my name,” he reflected. “But I’ve learned that things are just things, and one day, you can replace them. You can’t re-buy emotions or time, so I try to reframe my thinking. Instead of saying, ‘I don’t want to work,’ I remind myself, ‘I get to work.’”
As he looks ahead, Ezra is excited to finish college, grow as a producer, and keep building a better life for himself. His advice for new youth entering Anchor House is simple but wise: “Transitions are hard for everyone, but once you get settled, lock in. Take advantage of the support while you have it by budgeting, saving your money, and investing in yourself. It’ll set you up when you’re out of the program and on your own.”
Through his time at Anchor House, Ezra has learned that success isn’t just about where you’re going, but more about how you grow along the way. With resilience, gratitude, and a focus on what truly matters, he’s creating a future filled with purpose and sound.
