Youth Spotlight: Llyod Matheny

When Lloyd Matheny was six days old, he was introduced to his foster mom, who adopted him after caring for him for a year. He grew up in an attentive, loving family on Chicago’s South Side – overcoming a congenital foot ailment. Today, he is a student at National Louis University studying social work, with a passion for poetry and helping others.

Lloyd used to dream of being the next LeBron James or Michael Jordan, but participating in the Counselor in Training (CIT) summer program offered by the Chicago Park District and CHA helped him discover another path.
 

“Once I started interacting with the kids, I could see the gift I had,” he said. “I was able to easily interact, be engaged and be helpful and kind. I fell in love with it.” Now Lloyd is sure what he wants to do with the rest of his life, targeting a career in social work at a major school district.