One teenager is using his story to pay it forward

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - It’s a relationship that started out as strangers, but now it’s turned into something much more.

“He's pretty much mentoring me and every word that he says to me I take into consideration and I think about it wholeheartedly,” says 18-year-old Jhaqueil Reagan.

Jhaqueil Reagan met the owner of Papa Roux restaurant when he braved a snowstorm to walk miles to another job interview. Jhaqueil now is a member of the Roux Croux, and after the story went global there's been an outpouring of support.

“By Saturday we already had people on the floor wanting to find Jhaqueil and wanting to give him money directly,” explains the owner of Papa Roux, Art Bouvier.

Bouvier says the donations started pouring in. Just ten days later there was more than enough money to help Jhaqueil.

“Its so much more than Jhaqueil needs that he has decided to create the Jhaqueil Reagan Foundation,” says Bouvier. “The sole purpose of it will help Indy area underprivileged people get the tools and resources they need to find employment.”

So far, around $3,300 has been raised. Half the money has helped Jhaqueil get a new apartment and transportation to his new job. The rest will be handled by a non-profit formed by Bouvier and Reagan, with the money going to those in need. Papa Roux says he's now confident Jhaqueil has the tools to succeed.

“I don't know where he's going to land but it will be on his feet because he's trusting me for mentorship and he's making better decisions than the world would expect of an 18 year old,” says Bouvier.

Art Bouvier says he's had 60 calls just last week wanting to donate to Jhaqueil. The money raised will go to the foundation to give others the tools to get a job or maintain a job, like housing and transportation. If interested, you can make a donation to the Jhaqueil Reagan Foundation at Papa Roux.