**Trigger Warning** This episode contains brief mentions of child abuse and suicide at 25:55-28:28. Please listen with caution and call 988 if you need support.   Everyone at The Village Network knows “Mr. Stan” as the man who loves his job! We’re here today to learn why – and how—in the face of hardship and tragedy, Mr. Stan remains hopeful. This inspiring conversation taught us about the incredible courage it takes to change young lives.   Stanley Gates is originally from Pontotoc, Mississippi and currently lives in Reynoldsburg, Ohio, where he works as the Crisis Prevention and Retention Coordinator for The Village Network. Prior to joining TVN, Mr. Stan graduated from Mississippi Valley State University and worked in corrections. When he's not working, Mr. Stan enjoys bike riding, watching movies and cooking.   Follow Let’s Explore That on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Threads!   Let’s Explore That is a production of The Village Network, a nonprofit behavioral health providef for children. If you’d like to learn more about The Village Network, visit www.thevillagenetwork.org or subscribe to our newsletter.   If you are struggling with your mental health, you’re not alone. Please visit https://findtreatment.gov or call 1-800-662-HELP (4357) to get help and find resources near you. If you are in crisis, please call 988 immediately.   The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are the speaker’s own and do not necessarily represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of The Village Network. The material presented here is for general informational purposes and for personal use only and is not intended to replace or constitute medical advice, medical information, legal advice, investment advice, or other professional advice or guidance for a particular purpose.  All copyrighted information and trademarks and all forms and abbreviations of the same are the property of their respective owners, and their use does not imply endorsement of or opposition to any specific organization, product, or service.