Learning to Live Independently

The YES Shelter facility offers temporary housing to youth and families aged 16-24. Learning to live independently is often a challenge for youth. Abbott House, our transitional housing facility provides a place where youth can live in safety and stability for up to a year, with the support of a mentor to move forward on their life goals. Here are some thoughts and feelings from a recent resident:

“The main reason that I decided to go to YES was because I was having family problems. I didn’t know anyone else that I could stay with. The only person I felt comfortable talking to was my teacher and she told me about YES, so I decided to go. I was scared and I was nervous, mostly because I didn’t know what was going to happen with me. I had never lived in a shelter before. I cried, and I was really upset because I thought I wasn’t going to have anyone to talk to and no one around. That was not the case. The staff were helpful, easy to talk to. Whenever I had problems, they were fast at helping me out and they always made everyone feel comfortable. I appreciated being given goals that I had to do, and making me get up and get moving. Because you can only stay there for a little while.

Moving over to Abbott House was a great next step for me. The mentor helped me set goals for myself and I thought that if I was living anywhere it would be most beneficial to have goals and someone to help me make those goals happen. I was nervous and excited at the same time! Coming to Abbott House from the YES was a lot easier for me in comparison to going somewhere where people wouldn’t understand. I think Abbott House has shown me that it’s a lot more difficult to live on your own. There is a lot you have to do to make sure your life goes well and that you’re living right. Before I moved to Abbott House I thought everything would be easy forever. It gave me the opportunity to be an adult, but I didn’t get thrown into it in a harsh way. There have been people to help me get through it and learn about living on my own.

I have had a newfound freedom after maintaining a job and working hard. Right now I feel I am in a very good position in my life. The last year I have lived at the YES Shelter and Abbott House has changed me completely for the better. I am stronger and happier now than I have ever been. Thank you for everything!”