RUBY CORADO:

Very often, if they are really young, they come in because their parents are kicking them out of their homes. If they're a little older, like 16 through 21, 22, they get referred to me by the criminal justice system, where they tell them all, don't come back with issues. And if you come back to court, you know, I will put you in jail, but go to Ruby, and she will take care of you.

And, you know, it's kind of weird, because I know family — their families, society is turning their back on them. But, to me, it's my treasure. When I see them walking in the door, it's like I have a great opportunity to help someone like me, so they don't have to go through what I went through.