For more than three decades, the Powerhouse Youth Project has worked with one core belief; that every student has a passion and a purpose, and that all they need is someone willing to help them see it. 

Through mentorship, real-world connections and its “Pathway to Purpose” strategy, Powerhouse focuses on helping students, especially those at risk, make choices that change the direction of their lives.

That belief became real in a very tangible way for 16-year-old high school student Josiah Caussa De Eaby.

Josiah is soft-spoken, thoughtful and far more focused on responsibility than most teenagers his age. Raised in a single-parent household, he lives with his mother and three siblings. He understood from a young age that his mom carried the weight of the family alone and that reality shaped how he saw his role.

“She’s been taking care of all four of us for the longest time,” Josiah says. “Whatever I have to do to help her out is what I’ll continue to do.”

Cars have always been his passion. Long before he could drive, Josiah was drawn to how they looked, how they worked and how they could be transformed. He was introduced to auto detailing while working alongside his dad years ago. It stuck, but not in a casual, hobby way. Detailing became something he genuinely loved.

“I fell in love with detailing,” he says. “I love seeing people’s reactions when they see their car after I’m done. They’re like, ‘Oh wow, that’s my car?’”

Josiah didn’t immediately realize what he was walking into when he joined Powerhouse. He admits that he didn’t pay much attention at first.

“I thought it was boring and I’d just sit there and fall asleep,” he says.

Over time, something shifted. As the sessions continued, Josiah began to see the opportunity in front of him, that real people were willing to provide more than motivation. He realized that Powerhouse would provide real tools to help him build something meaningful.

“I started paying attention more and seeing how big of an opportunity it could be for me,” he says. “It really is a big opportunity.”

When Josiah opened up about his family situation and his desire to help provide financially, Powerhouse Executive Director Scott Chevalier stepped in, not to hand him a solution, but to walk alongside him.

“I can talk to Mr. Scott about anything,” Josiah says. “He’s really a great guy and a good motivator.”

Powerhouse connected Josiah with a local professional who helped him learn the practical side of detailing and business basics. The pieces started coming together from there. The group helped him develop a business name, branding, business cards and a vision for what his company could become.

The result was a mobile detailing business named in honor of his family’s last name. 

Siah’s Detailing is a business that didn’t require a storefront, overhead costs or fancy equipment, just skill and hustle.

“I came to them with a dream and they helped me achieve it,” Josiah says. “They were with me every step of the way.”

He was just 15 when he completed his first paid detailing job. That first experience quickly led to more work. Neighbors noticed, word spread and the business began to grow. Since then, Josiah has detailed dozens of vehicles, building both confidence and a steady source of income.

Every dollar he earns goes back to what matters most. “Whatever my mom needs help paying; rent, electricity, anything, that’s where it goes,” he says. “She likes what I’m doing.”

Today, Josiah balances school, work and time with friends, but his priorities remain clear. His hope is that Siah’s Detailing continues to grow and opens doors for future opportunities, whether in business, automotive work or entrepreneurship.

Most of all, he hopes other students experience what Powerhouse offers.

“Powerhouse is really a great opportunity,” he says. “There’s not a lot of programs like it. Mr. Scott pushes students to chase their dreams and helps connect them with the right people.”

“The opportunities are kind of limitless,” he says. “I’m just really grateful.”   

Photos: Nicole Hamel and Provided