Houston teens in need receive shopping spree

HOUSTON — Miracle Washington-Tribble didn’t see much hope for her future.

At 16 and already a single mother to a baby boy, she wasn’t going to school, had been in numerous fights and lacked ambition to turn her life around.

Then in August she was introduced to Eight Million Stories, a Houston program that helps 14to 18-year-olds who have either quit or been kicked out of school continue their education, find employment and receive emotional support.

“At first I never saw myself getting a job or even finishing school,” Washington-Tribble said. “I never went to school, and I was doing bad stuff. But when I got here, they motivated me to keep coming to school. I didn’t see me having a future. But they help you with your dreams and goals. It motivated me, and I see a future now.”

In four short months, Washington-Tribble barely resembles that person. She has a job and is on track to receive her GED at the end of January. But most importantly, the petite teenager with the radiant smile now has hope for a better life.

“Miracle has turned her entire life around just being involved in this program,” said Marvin Pierre, the program’s co-founder and executive director. “Eight Million Stories filled a big gap in her life, which was love and finding a support system that she could tap into.”

And last week Washington-Tribble and fellow Eight Million Stories participant Jadon Cofield received a Christmas surprise for their newfound success: The two went on a shopping spree with Houston Texans receivers DeAndre Hopkins and Kenny Stills.

Both Hopkins and Stills have been working with Eight Million Stories and raved about the importance of the program.

“You can actually see the difference that they’re making in kids,” Hopkins said. “It gives kids a second chance. A lot of times when kids get in trouble, they might get labeled or judged for mistakes that they made at a young age. This program right here gives kids an opportunity to better themselves after messing up or doing something that kids might do.”

On the day of the shopping trip, Hopkins and Stills spent almost two hours with the students, putting together outfits and collaborating to see what looked best.

“Your clothes make you feel good,” Hopkins said. “There’s something about putting on a new pair of shoes or a new shirt that gives you a new joy.”

MICHAEL WYKE / ASSOCIATED PRESS Texans players Kenny Stills (left) and DeAndre Hopkins remark on shoes chosen by Miracle Washington-Tribble during a shopping spree last week in Houston.