NYEPgirlsStories

Jane, 18, couch-hopped for almost one full year. She was unable to work due to a full-time high school schedule and bus system that stopped running just a couple hours after school let out. For her, it came down to a decision between attending school for a better future and working just to stay alive. She was referred to NYEP by her school counselor. With the help of NYEP, Jane was first safely housed. Then she was able to finish high school, as well as learn the skills necessary to find and keep a job, access college scholarships and find independent housing. She now works full time at a local hospital and is attending trade school.
Tina*

Tina, had been asked to leave at 18 by her foster family. Still in high school, having nowhere to live and insufficient resources to boot, she came to NYEP for help. After moving into our housing-based program, Tina found the consistent support and peer environment she needed to finish high school and prepare for college. After attending a couple semesters at UVA, on a full-ride scholarship, she returned home to be close to support. She has 2 jobs and attends UNR.
Brenda*

Brenda, 19, was kicked out of her home due to family conflict over her sexual orientation. She was referred to NYEP by her school counselor. She was scared and vulnerable, naïve to the world. Shortly after moving into NYEP’s housing program, Brenda completed her associate’s degree, gained a second job and joined some clubs at the college. At NYEP, Brenda received the stability, consistency and encouragement needed to finish school and maintain two jobs. Brenda is currently receiving support and training from NYEP on saving and budgeting money, self-advocacy and problem solving. She plans to move to NYEP’s affordable housing site in the future, and continue her school goals of obtaining a criminal justice degree.
Nicole*

Nicole was abused by her mother and placed in foster care at a young age. At 17, having already completed high school, she was referred by a social worker looking for an opportunity for Nicole to begin working on independent living skills. After moving into NYEP’s housing program, Nicole quickly began pushing boundaries and breaking house rules. Through her relationship with NYEP staff and support received from the program, Nicole learned why there are rules and structures. She also learned the benefits of adopting new lifestyle choices including keeping a calendar, getting adequate rest, healthy eating, positive relationships and critical thinking. It wasn’t until she began to change her choices that she began to own her happiness. She currently works with children in before-and-after school programs. She aspires to be a model and spends much of her free time longboarding or drawing.
Debbie*

Debbie, 18, who had been in foster care since she was a small child, was referred to NYEP by her social worker after expressing dissatisfaction with her current group home. She complained of feeling lonely, bored and unloved. Still enrolled in high school and lacking the funds to live on her own, NYEP was a good option. After joining the housing program, Debbie flourished in the family-style environment. She learned how to shop for and cook group meals, participate in and hold holiday events and work problems out with her roommates and people who have different opinions and ideas. With the help of NYEP, Debbie was able to get and keep a job, make some good friends and manage her emotions. Today, Debbie is a happily married mother of 2.

*Names have been changed to protect the youth’s identity.