2019 Spring Letter

More documents

Recommendations

Info

After a restless night, that same friendpicked me up and we drove to Corvallis, tosee if there was a bed available at JacksonStreet. All I knew was that it was a place tolive that would help me get to school eachday, but I was apprehensive because Ithought it was a stereotypical homelessshelter, and I would be the only kid there.Upon arrival, all that changed, when I sawit was actually just a regular house, full ofkids like me. It was all great, a bright spoton a dark day.For the last two years ofmy life I have managed toprosper and flourish into theadult I wanted so desperatelyto be that morning.I was able to have a safe place to go atthe end of each day where I foundsupport completing homework, settingand achieving goals, and forgingpositive peer relationships. My gradesgot a lot better, almost immediately.Having staff there to encourage memade a difference. I also had anindividual case manager who helpedhold me accountable to my goals likemanaging my schedule, obtaininglegal documents, and establishingconnections at school. I joined theschool newspaper, giving a latentpassion for writing a place to thrive.My desire to publish important storiesthat mattered to people led to mebecoming editor-in-chief.
On my 18th birthday I movedinto the transitional livingprogram called Next Steps,taking the next step towardadulthood.Being an adult is great, but it’s not alwaysa cakewalk: Work, School, Cooking, BikeRepair, House and Yard Maintenance, Bills,Taxes, Life. At Next Steps, I was able tolearn how to do all of that proficiently,with confidence, through case management,skills coaching, skills classes, and theguiding hand of staff. I graduated highschool. I got my first long-term job,working with kids.Next month, I will come to the end ofmy 18-month stay in Next Steps. I will bemoving into my first apartment with mybest friend, whom I met at Jackson Street.With the funds I’ve been able to save,I will be able to cover the deposit, firstmonth’s rent, and then some.I’m looking forward to establishing my first home, a safe place tocontinue achieving my goals, like one day publishing my first novel.My story isn't the only one like this.There are so many runaway, homeless, and at-risk youth in our community.Jackson Street is leading the charge to end that.Thank you, Will. I could not have said it better myself.Over the last 18 years, Jackson Street has focused on thecritical, painful problem of youth homelessness. Becauseof the time and resources this community has provided,you, our supporters, have helped Jackson Street developeffective services that young people like Will need toend their homelessness forever.
Page 1: Hello.My name is Will.A dear friend

2019 Spring Letter

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?