Troubled Friend?

Question

I've known my friend since I was 9 years old. He moved away from NYC to Las Vegas at 13. He's always been a rowdy kid messing up school and never taking anything seriously. For the past 6 years hes been doing drugs getting arrested and ignoring his future. He has recently been released from being locked up for 1 year and 3 months. In that short amount of time he realized he messed up his life. He's scrounging for jobs and trying to get any money he can now. He didn't finish high school, and has trouble finding a job. I have not talked to him in 3 years but have just gotten into contact with him again and he's informed me of his position. What can my friend do right now, what are his best options? He said he applied to get his GED which will take 2 months, but I'm wondering if theres anything he can do now to move it along. Are there any vocational schools in vegas that he can attend now that have little or no cost? I'm trying to save a brother here, any useful advice is appreciated.

Answer 1

Getting the GED at this point sounds like the best bet. He can get it at the local community college or through some other program in town. First they give you pre-tests and when you get the scores you know how much you need to study. You can attend GED courses after that which will help past the test or just study using online GED help sites (easy to find using google) or buy a GED book/check one out at the local library. Two months is a pretty standard and good amount of time to get a GED. To help him with this part you might be able to front some costs for the GED, although they aren't much they can be much for someone who was just released. If you can't afford it either one way to get money is to write to local businesses (especially the home grown type) and ask they sponser your friend. This nearly always works. Another thing you can do is study with him on a regular basis in a very routine way. It is important to introduce routine.

As far as work goes most towns have agencies where you can go and just work for the day. In my town it's called Labor Ready. Basically you go fill out paperwork and then sit for the entire day. Sometimes employers will need help with a painting job etc... they'll come in and pick up some of the people waiting. It's not great but it can provide some money and a routine until one has their GED. Also getting a paper route or something simple like that where they don't typically require a diploma or GED.

During this time another thing you can do is help your friend hook up with local social services. Go to the Department of Human Services and see what your friend might be eligible for. He could be eligible for foodstamps, financial assistance, work training, etc... Also if he isn't eligible for foodstamps they can give you a list of places that hand out food boxes, getting those can really help reduce bills and save up money.

One last thing. When your friend does get his GED then he can apply for financial aid. Often times going back to school, say community college is very helpful. Financial aid can pay for his schooling and all his living expenses. And the community college can start with the most basic to pretty advanced classes depending on what your friend needs.
It's very simple to do this. Go to this website and fill out the form:http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/
And for community college you can register at any time and all you really need is a GED (it's usually only a one page application). You can also hook him up with an academic advisor at the community college which could lead him through all the necessary steps.

Hope this helps!

Answer 2

That is a tough one. You don't say if he has any family support. If he is on his own, boy he will need money for room & shelter. If his family will help he will need to work part time & get his GED, then follow what the others have suggested. He might go to AA, he will get support their for his addition problems. You can support him by listening & giving him encouragement.

Answer 3

This girl is certainly no friend of yours. A real friend would not make fun of you in front of your peers. Her little trick of imitating you and then laughing about it shows all of them that it is okay to laugh at you. Going after a guy that you like is her way of showing you that she is superior to you. This is not the act of a friend. You already say that her actions are stupid and annoying. Maybe it is time to spend time with people who are not stupid and annoying and who actually like you and know how to be friends.

Answer 4

wow first thing you are an amazing friend i would love to be your freind! =D anyways he should keep applying for jobs. tell him to get his *** up and go to apply in person like that he will get a job super fast.!!! another thing PERSISTENCE!! he must keep calling the place and say how interested he is in the job even if its a lie! He will gwet hired in no time trust me!

Answer 5

It will not take 2 mos to get a GED
He can take it anytime he wants.
You are a good friend just don't get too sucked in.
Some people are just used to being bailed out. I am not saying YOUR friend is but if he asks you for a hundred bucks say no. If he asks you to pray for him say yes! BUT never part with your cash.

Answer 6

community college and their is financial aid that will pay for it along with vocational school. I also recommend counseling to help him stay straight.

Answer 7

contact the department of education in las vegas nevada.

Answer 8

Well he messed up his life, but it doesnt mean he cant fix it, for your question there isnt really much you can do, Just hope the best for your friend?

Answer 9

You could tutor him or something. Help him.