Anastasia
Anastasia lived with her mother and siblings in their own home until her mother got sick unexpectedly. As a result, they struggled financially and became homeless during her sophomore year. Anastasia and her family found themselves living at a shelter. Things began to turn around when she spoke to her school nurse who referred her to HYC. She met her HYC Case Manager and she was provided food, clothes and other basic necessities. Anastasia also began living with her marching band coach for a couple of months while completing her studies, so that she could get to practice on time. However, life was difficult without her family, especially her mother, whom she considers her best friend. Fortunately, Anastasia received counseling and the support she needed during a temporary, transitional time. Soon, her mother’s health improved, and she was reunited with her family. Anastasia looks forward to the future with new hope.
Makenna
Makenna lived with both of her parents. However, for years she struggled to balance school and a painful home life. Her parents were both alcoholics, and Makenna, oftentimes neglected, found herself going hungry. One of her friends at school became concerned about her and gave her a place to stay. With the help of HYC, Makenna received food, clothing, school supplies and a bed. After graduation, Makenna plans to enter a veterinary medicine program to become a veterinarian.
Arturo
Arturo lived in Arizona with his parents and his siblings all his life. However, life took a turn when he was just a freshman in high school. His parents divorced and his father forced him to move to Mexico with him. His mother and siblings moved to Mexico too soon after, and his parents eventually got back together. Unfortunately, Arturo’s father was not supportive of him finishing his education. Arturo’s father wanted him to quit school. This did not appeal to Arturo who wanted to follow his cousin’s footsteps and go to college. In fact, Arturo felt the only way for him to finish his education was to leave home. Arturo moved back to Arizona all on his own at 17 years old. A supportive teacher introduced Arturo to HYC and he received help getting food stamps, hygiene items and academic support. After graduation, Arturo plans on going to college to study criminology. He hopes to be a police officer.
Ashley
Ashley came to HYC having experienced many barriers and hardship—such as surviving domestic abuse, moving from shelter to shelter since the age of 10, her mother passing away, her father going to prison and eventually ending up alone and homeless during high school. While a friend gave her a place to stay, Ashley found herself struggling to get to school. The commute was more than an hour each day—still she persisted. A school liaison introduced Ashley to HYC and she accepted the help and support. With the help of HYC, Ashley was able to get a bus pass, assistance with medical and vision services and finish school. ”School was my home outside of home and so I made sure that no matter what I faced, I would go to school,” she said. Today, her perseverance has led to numerous awards and scholarships. She also has been accepted to more than a handful of universities both in and out of state. This summer, the 18-year-old plans to attend Rensselaer Polytechnic in New York pursuing a degree in industrial engineering.
Dashon
Dashon is an 18-year-old senior who lived in an apartment with her mother and father until she found herself in a difficult situation along with her family. Her father was incarcerated and eventually she and her mother were evicted from their home after they couldn’t come up with their rent. A supportive teacher introduced Dashon to HYC and Dashon accepted the services. At HYC she found the help she needed: hygiene items, help obtaining an identification card to start her journey into the workforce, and support with finding and applying for scholarships. Today, Dashon, who has been taking college classes every Saturday for the last year, will have 24 college credits at high school graduation, and a bright future ahead.
“Having HYC is almost like having parents all over again. I have a sense of stability and a lot of pain has been taken off my shoulders.”
“HYC was my light at the end of the tunnel during a part of my time in high school that took a unexpected turn for the worst. They gave me hope and support when I wanted to give up. Thanks to HYC I am now a proud high school graduate with the skills to start a new chapter in my life.”
“HYC not only supported me but also encouraged me to do things I never thought were possible. I learned that if you really want something you should fight for it until you have it. HYC is like a family to me. HYC is there when I need someone to talk to, give me direction or need a ride to a doctor’s appointment. I’m grateful HYC has been a part of my journey.”
“Because I lived with a friend and I didn’t share the family’s last name, I couldn’t get anyone to sign any of my paperwork and it was hard to get anything I needed – shots, glasses, medical services – HYC made it so that I could go to the doctor, get my glasses and get things that were so essential but could not get without a parent. That means the world to me!”
“HYC provided me with food, clothing, a bed and basic necessities. That was a relief. I felt like I had a team on my side.”
“I never had anyone I could talk to about my feelings. Before HYC I was afraid to open up about how I felt because I didn’t know how people would react. Now, I get to see a counselor through HYC and I love her.”
“I didn’t think I was going to be able to graduate because things were getting so rough and everything was starting to take a toll on me but a huge load was taken off me with the help of HYC.”
