Every young person’s journey is unique, but one thing remains true: meaningful support can change the course of a life.
This youth’s story is a powerful example of what can happen when a young person is met with safety, stability, and opportunities to grow. Over the years, they accessed multiple levels of support through YWS, from emergency shelter, to our Stay in School program, and eventually to Helix House while continuing their education. Each step provided new tools, new opportunities, and the support needed to move forward.
Their journey reflects the very heart of YWS’s mission over the past 40 years: helping youth move from crisis to stability, and from uncertainty to opportunity.
A Journey Home: One Youth’s Path Through YWS
I first came to YWS in 2019 during a very uncertain time in my life. I had just arrived in a new country and was also going through a difficult immigration process. Everything felt new and unfamiliar, and adjusting was not always easy. During that time, the support I received at YWS played a very important role in helping me move forward.
The staff at YWS were welcoming and supportive from the beginning. They helped guide me through my immigration process, which could sometimes feel stressful and overwhelming. Knowing that there were people there to support me helped me stay focused and continue working toward a better future.
One person who had a very meaningful impact on my journey was Ben. He was someone who consistently supported me during both the good and difficult moments. Whenever I was having a hard time or feeling discouraged, Ben helped me shift my mindset and look at things in a more positive way. He encouraged me to stay patient and reminded me that challenges are part of growth.
What stood out the most was how present and supportive he always was. During my down times, he would take the time to talk with me, listen carefully, and help me think through situations in a calm and positive way. Instead of focusing only on the problem, he helped me look at possible solutions and different ways to handle situations. This helped me develop a stronger and more positive way of thinking. His encouragement gave me confidence and helped me stay motivated even when things felt difficult. Through all the ups and downs, Ben supported me wholeheartedly and genuinely wanted to see me succeed.
After my immigration process was completed, I was transferred to the Stay in School (SIS) program. This program helped me continue my high school education and start preparing for post-secondary studies. During this time, Yesica was someone who helped me a lot on the SIS side. She welcomed me into the program and made sure I understood how everything worked. She treated me with kindness and respect and always made sure I felt supported in the program. Her guidance helped me adjust and stay focused on my education.
Later, when the Helix program opened, I was transferred there because the commute from YWS to my school was very long. Living at Helix made it easier for me to attend school and manage my daily responsibilities.
During my time at Helix, I learned many important independent living skills. I started to understand how to manage responsibilities, organize my daily routine, and prepare for living on my own. These lessons helped me become more confident and better prepared for the future.
Looking back, the support I received from YWS, the Stay in School program, and Helix played a major role in my growth. These experiences helped me continue my education, build independence, and develop a stronger mindset for the future. The guidance and support from people like Ben and Yesica made a lasting impact on my journey.
Now, I am focused on building my future in cybersecurity while continuing my education and gaining hands-on experience through internships. My goal is to grow my skills, build a strong career, and create a stable future for myself.
