Growing up in and out of the foster care system, Zach’s childhood was marked by loneliness. With his first brush with the justice system at age eight, he spent much of middle and high school in juvenile detention. It was when he met his mentor, Jackson, that Zach began to believe he had the potential for a future. Now, as a young adult, Zach is rebuilding his life and wants to use his story to inspire hope in other kids.

This is his story.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

A Spotlight On Youth Mentoring by the Annie E. Casey Foundation: Read this article with a helpful narrative about the importance of mentoring, the impact of mentorships (you’ll quickly see similar findings to Zach’s story), and recommendations for next steps.

Find a Mentor or Become a Mentor: A great resource to help you become a mentor, find a mentor, and see how mentorship helps youth feel less lonely.

How Young Adults View Social Connectedness and Access Resources: “Nearly three-quarters (73%) of young adults go to their informal networks of family and friends when they need support”— this report outlines findings like this one and more in regards to young adult social connectedness and the supports they prefer to access.

3 WAYS YOU CAN SUPPORT THE I KNOW LONELY PROJECT:

1. Intentionally connect with someone you care about! Who is the first person that comes to your mind right now? Send them a text, give them a phone call, set a time to grab lunch.

2. Rep the I KNOW LONELY merch! Be a voice for the project by repping some merch from the I Know Lonely collection. From cozy hoodies and sweatshirts to sticker packs or hats, you can shop the full collection here.

3. Become a monthly donor! We know there are so many more stories like Zach’s that need to be told. Stories that share their own experiences through topics like anxiety and depression, bullying, mental health struggles, losing a loved one to suicide… everybody has a story worth telling. And you can help us share these stories with the world by supporting the I Know Lonely Project. Even the smallest gifts can make an impact. Give here!