For Ian, Koinonia Family Services has been more than just a place—it’s been home. Literally. Ian was just 10 days old when he arrived at Homes for Teens, House 3 in Rocklin, where his parents worked the swing shift. Surrounded by teenagers and the steady guidance of his parents, Ian’s childhood was deeply intertwined with the Koinonia community.
“I had 180-plus big brothers growing up,” Ian recalls. “It became ingrained in my childhood. Seeing people get second chances and grow really shaped me.”
Growing up around a boys’ Homes For Teens house, Ian witnessed firsthand the challenges teens faced—anger, frustration, and tough pasts. But he also saw something else: the transformative power of compassion. His parents were always there for the teens, no matter how angry or resistant they were. “I watched my dad embrace kids who were cursing, spitting, or yelling at him,” Ian says. “And then the kid would hug him back, realizing they weren’t angry at him—they were angry at the world. That taught me so much about empathy and patience.”
By the time he graduated high school, Ian knew he wanted to give back. After he graduated, he began working as a frontline staff member at House 4, supporting teens through their daily challenges. What kept him there wasn’t just the job—it was the impact. “There aren’t many jobs in the world where you feel like you’re truly making a difference,” he says.
Ian’s career at Koinonia evolved over the years. From House 4, he returned to House 3 as a staff member and later worked in the Koinonia school and afterschool programs. He taught life skills, soft skills, and job readiness, helping teens see their own potential.
A Full-Circle Moment: Kenny’s Story
One moment in Ian’s career stands out as particularly meaningful. Kenny, a young man from a challenging part of the Bay Area, came to Koinonia after becoming involved with gangs and getting into trouble. Despite the difficulties of his past, Kenny worked hard to engage with the program and rebuild his relationship with his father.
When graduation approached, Kenny faced a heart-wrenching decision: he could return home or take the tools he had learned and carve his own path. Ian remembers sitting quietly with Kenny as he confronted this challenge, giving him space to make the decision without interference.
“Kenny’s courage was remarkable,” Ian says. “He told his dad, ‘I love you, but I cannot move back in with you. It would hurt me if I went back.’ And his dad, with tears in his eyes, gave him his full blessing to move forward.”
Kenny chose college and a new beginning. Years later, he returned to Koinonia—not as a teen, but as a staff member. With a college degree and a loving partner, Kenny stepped into a role similar to Ian’s, supporting the next generation of teens.
“That full-circle moment—it’s the kind of thing that fuels my soul,” Ian reflects. “Seeing someone take the tools we give and use them to build a life they want, and then come back to help others do the same—that’s what Koinonia is all about.”
The Long Game of Making a Difference
Working with teens isn’t without challenges. Ian shares that burnout is common, and the emotional toll can be heavy. But even when progress isn’t immediate, seeing former residents succeed years later reinforces the mission. “You plant the tree for future generations,” Ian says. “The world can be tough, but if we’re there for each other, we can make it through.”
After 14 years on the frontlines, Ian transitioned into Koinonia’s IT department. While the work is different, it still supports the mission he believes in—providing the tools and resources for staff to help teens succeed.
Ian’s story is a testament to the lasting impact of community, compassion, and opportunity. From growing up at Koinonia to helping shape the next generation, his journey reflects Koinonia’s commitment to nurturing not just teens, but the people who dedicate their lives to supporting them.
Kaitlin Earnest, Contributor