Homeless teen inspires non-profit foundation after walk for work goes viral

Jhaqueil Reagan is an 18-year-old who dropped out of high school to help take care of his siblings after their mother died. Late last month, in the middle of a winter storm that shut down public transportation, he embarked on a 10-mile walk to interview for a minimum wage job. On that walk, his path crossed with restaurant owner, who was so impressed that he gave Reagan a job. The restaurant owner, Art Bouvier posted his experience with Reagan on Facebook. That post has been "liked" almost 27,000 times, and has been shared close to 7,000 times. This morning they join “Starting Point” to share their amazing story.

Reagan who did not have money for the bus or an alternate means of transportation to the interview says his, “only reliable source was [his] own two legs.”

Bouvier says he was incredibly impressed by Reagan’s dedication to get to the job interview with just the hope of securing a job. After talking with his wife, Bouvier says he decided Reagan was “probably going to be a kid who’s going to show up every time he’s scheduled.”

With his new job a lot has changed for Reagan who was once homeless. He says, “I’ve got myself an apartment now, I’m staying with my fiancé and her son, I mean it couldn’t be better.”

Recently Reagan started the Jhaqueil Reagan Foundation in order to help disadvantaged people find work.

To donate, send checks to: Jhaqueil Reagan Foundation 973 N Shadeland Box 323 Indianapolis, IN 46219.