Larry earned his bachelor’s degree in social work from Wartburg College and his master’s degree from the University of Southern California. “As a child I felt unwanted. I felt trapped in a world that seemed so small and suffocating. But I dreamed of a world in neon colors when I closed my eyes at night. I felt this energy inside myself. I felt that I could accomplish everything I was told would never happen.

“Despite my hardships, the universe let me land on grass, rather than concrete, so that I could pick myself up again. As a man, I now reflect on my reality with humility and grace. My journey to this place was not alone. I was never alone. I never have to be, and neither do you.

“Tanager Place exemplifies an institution that accepts and acknowledges both the human condition (imperfection) and the human spirit (resilience). Together, these two things equal the human existence. There is nothing we can’t work through with the right approach and support. But we must accept our imperfections and acknowledge our resilience.”