August of 2018, Senior Lidia Holguin faced major, life changing events that left her feeling lost and confused. Surprisingly enough, the end of this was found by complete chance. "The first time I found The Underground, I was hanging out with a friend and we got bored of walking, but we saw The Underground sign, so we went in," she recalls.

when you leave a beautiful place, you carry it with you wherever you go.

The Underground is a church youth center safe and fun for all high school students. The kind-hearted and understanding youth leaders are what compelled her to stay and continue to return. At first, she figured she would give it a try because she has always gone to church, but when she moved, she wanted to find one that was more than just that – one built around community: "I found love and kindness at The Underground, even just the first time coming back, I was welcomed with open arms."

Change of plans

Lidia goes to the youth center every day of the week except for Saturdays, so she believes all aspects of her life have changed to work around this schedule: "I went down a rough patch, and now I'm aiming for the better," she explained. When asked where she would be if she did not find The Underground, she said she would still feel "confused, sad, and lonely."

Finding Purpose

The center has been an important part of Lidia's life since September. Upon meeting Jennie, Andy, and Grant from The Underground, she feels loved, and like she belongs to not something good, but great in this world. She finds more purpose in her days.