“I just want people to know I’m out here trying to make a difference in any way I can but also get my feet on the ground. I’d love to learn how to fly an airplane one day. I’m going to be flying soon.”

“I go day to day thinking about bettering myself. You know, how I can be better than I was yesterday, not make the same mistakes and set new goals every day.”

“My friends have always said, ‘Man, I wish I had a mom like yours.’” – Delena

“I work on cars for a living. My best memory is proposing to my wife. We were outside of the Greyhound bus station and I got down on one knee. All the cab drivers clapped when she said yes.”

“I do my own thing—walking to work with my earphones in, dancing the whole way. My style of dance is about flexibility and incorporates ballet. I danced for the first time when I was 16. I was home alone when Green Day came one and it was over from there.”

“I have been coming to Iron Gate since 2009 but I’m from Chicago. I like to sew and sing—especially Whitney Houston. I think we all have to come together to figure out what’s missing in our community. Change has to start somewhere.”

My favorite thing about Iron Gate is that it gives you a place to socialize. I like making people happy. I always think about what I can do to make people’s day. I love acting, singing, dancing and telling jokes.”

“I’m a tough girl. I’m always energetic and I’m always complicated. My first date with my husband was at the Blue Rose. He started dancing like Beetlejuice and Forrest Gump! I was embarrassed to dance at first.”