A student who seemingly had a rough life?

There's a student in my health cl who seemingly has had a rough life. He mentioned to the cl on the first day of the semester, that he has done time in a place we would never want to go to, and I knew what he was talking about. This guy has spent time in rehab, and has also been institutionalized for a long time. I heard him talking to another special needs student about living in a group home, and also to a para about being institutionalized. I see a saddened and hardened look on his face, and can tell he's not okay. Not too long ago I was on the verge of being institutionalized, and I'm glad I changed when I did. I feel as if I must reach out to this kid, because the only one who can free him is Jesus Christ. Any insight? I didn't want to cry but somehow I did.