At 17 years old, Xcylur hit rock bottom. After being caught with vodka at school, he was suspended and faced truancy and minor in possession charges. When he failed to complete the required community service hours for his diversion program, he was given a stronger consequence and placed on probation, but Xcylur proceeded to violate the terms of his sentence more than 30 times. Eventually, he landed at the Douglas County Youth Center where he spent seven months, missing Christmas, Thanksgiving, and New Year’s with his family.

“I was at a point in my life where I thought what I wanted out of life was to suffer and die,” said Xcylur.

But then a new opportunity emerged—one that would change everything. Xcylur was referred to Omaha Home for Boys, a place that offered him something he had never truly experienced before: structure. At OHB, Xcylur learned the value of routine, built social skills, and realized he didn’t want to be miserable anymore. He wanted more for himself.

“I turned things around a lot at OHB,” said Xcylur. “I learned how to be a better version of me.”

As the years passed, those lessons took deeper root, shaping the person he would become.

Today, more than a decade after first stepping foot on our OHB campus as a struggling, desperate teenager, Xcylur has returned—not as a client, but as a mentor. He now works at OHB, helping youth who are walking a path similar to the one he once traveled. His own experiences allow him to connect with our youth on a deeper level, offering encouragement and understanding in ways few others can.

“I remember what it was like to be in their shoes making the wrong choices for the wrong reasons,” said Xcylur.

Now, Xcylur shares his story with the youth at OHB, helping them see that change is possible. When he recognizes his own struggles in the boys he works with, he reminds them that while they might not fully appreciate the lessons they’re learning now, those lessons will shape their future.

“The work that we do is genuinely important, but this place is also really important to me personally,” said Xcylur. “I appreciate being able to work here and being able to help as many youth as we can.”

For Xcylur, the most rewarding moments come in the small victories—seeing positive behaviors take hold or simply making a tough day a little better for a young person who needs it.

“Just being able to make their day a little better is always really nice,” he said.

Xcylur is a living testament that OHB’s impact lasts long after youth leave our doors. His life has truly come full circle as he helps the next generation find their way.