Homeless Teen Inspires as Head of YMCA Teen Achievers

The program is run through the Bob Gilbertson Central City Family YMCA, 110 E. Palm Avenue.

At first glance, she's a typical teenager. Jahouda "Jo Jo" Santos buzzes around the Bob Gilbertson Central City Family YMCA in a short-sleeved jean jacket, black leggings and a brightly-colored blouse. The 18-year-old smiles often, walking briskly through the brightly-lit halls to take attendance for the YMCA's Teen Achiever Program, of which she's president. The honor roll student's goals - finishing her senior year at Blake High and heading to college so she can become a child psychologist - seem easy to reach. But after she leaves the Y, she heads to an unlikely place to rest her head: A homeless shelter in Seminole Heights, where she's been staying with her mother since last year. "It's hard to tell people," she said. "Some of my …

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