Page 5 - 2019-2020 Annual Report

2019-2020 Annual Report
New Directions Participant:
LExUs JENkiNs
NEw diREcTiONs
Our New Directions
program helps foster and
former foster youth, ages
18-25, find housing and
build their lives going into
adulthood. The program
includes:
• Access to subsidized &
affordable housing
• Therapy services
• Advocates for support
and access to essential
resources
An extensive team of
Advocates is there for
anything a New Directions
program participant needs
including transportation,
mediation, and life skills
training.
sTORy
A sUccEss
At just one year old, Lexus’ mother abandoned both her and her siblings, leaving her
father to care for four young children on his own. A few years later, what had seemed
to be an opportunity for a perfect family turned into a horrifying reality of abuse at the
hands of her new stepmother. The abuse that Lexus endured landed her in different
group homes starting at age 11.
Lexus came to Casa de Amparo’s Residential Services Program at the age of 14, when
she did not realize the gravity that Casa’s impact would hold in her life. Lexus began
causing trouble and ended up in juvenile hall. Upon returning to Casa de Amparo, Lexus
gained a new outlook on the program and the healing that was possible.
“They accepted me [back] with open arms…While back at Casa I did things I never
thought I would accomplish,” explains Lexus. Lexus flourished with this new outlook
on life inspired by Casa, leading her to graduate high school, begin college courses
to pursue her career dreams and making her a role model to the other youth at Casa.
Lexus became appreciative of the dedicated staff that wanted to see her succeed and
found comfort in Casa’s support.
At 18, Lexus joined our transitional housing program, New Directions, where she was
provided with safe housing, money for food, cleaning supplies, and a fully furnished
apartment to help her start her adult life. While in the program, Lexus decided to begin
her family, a decision that Casa fully supported.
“Casa was supportive through the whole pregnancy,” explains Lexus. “My advocate took
me to doctors’ appointments and everyone got together to throw me a baby shower.”
Lexus loved being a mother to her baby boy, however tragedy struck Lexus when she
least expected it. Despite heroic efforts from 911 responders, Lexus’ son unfortunately
passed away due to SIDS.
In this time of tragedy, Casa assured Lexus that they would be there to support her
in any way she needed. Casa de Amparo assisted Lexus and her partner with funeral
expenses, counseling to process the trauma and grief, and keepsakes to memorialize
their son’s life.
When Lexus became pregnant with her second child, she knew she could depend on
Casa for support throughout her high-risk pregnancy. For instance, if an advocate were
not available to take Lexus to her doctor’s appointments, which could be multiple times
a week, Casa ensured that she had a bus pass so she could receive her essential care.
As her maternity leave approached its end, Lexus worried about maintaining her eligibility
with the New Directions program, which required her to either be in school or have a job.
Overwhelmed with the idea of working and going to school while simultaneously caring
for a baby, an opportunity arose that gave Lexus the solace she needed.
Lexus’ advocate recommended she apply to be a part-time receptionist at Casa’s office.
Both Lexus and Casa found this to be a perfect fit for the job! While working at Casa de
Amparo, Lexus was able to continue pursuing her degree while still caring for her child.
“Casa de Amparo is my family and the best one I could’ve dreamed of. Your [support] has
made a huge impact on my life, even if it seemed small,” says Lexus. Casa de Amparo is
immeasurably grateful that we were able to help Lexus on her path to success and are
very excited to see what the future holds for this vibrant young woman and her family!
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