Erick Scott never forgets a face, especially if it belongs to one of the young people he’s worked with at the Oasis Youth Shelter.

Stopping to get gas at the Handy Gas & Shop in Lehigh Acres, Erick recognized the clerk at the counter. And the clerk recognized him, too.

“Mr. E!!” she shouted.

“My baby, Dakota!” Erick beamed. Dakota was one of the first youths that Erick encountered in his early days at Oasis.

Dakota is now 25 and remembers all the positive affirmations that Mr. Erick would share with her during her time at Oasis. They helped to get her through some pretty rough times.

“While at the shelter, Dakota was dealing with so many family issues and trauma from her past. She was always getting in trouble and was very challenging with some staff. She was one of those kids that came in and out of the shelter. She used to always ask me if I have time to talk to her. “

No matter how busy Erick was, he found time to give her the few minutes she needed to feel heard.

Running into Dakota years later flooded him with the memories.

“She’s one of the kids I always wondered about. [To learn that] she’s a mom now and hasn’t been in any trouble since she left Oasis is incredible.”

Dakota told Erick that her current goal is to be the best mother she can be for her son, and Erick—who has a son of his own—can relate to that feeling.

“It was so good to see her working and being a viable member of our community. I am so proud of her,” stated Erick.