While our outcome statistics help us identify trends and improve our programs, the stories of our youth speak volumes.
LAUREN
As a high school senior, Lauren* was faced with a frightening reality: after both of her parents passed away, her childhood home was foreclosed on, leaving her homeless. During her 32 day stay in the the Safe Harbour House, Lauren received counseling, maintained stability, and remained in her home school. The Harbour located Lauren's aunt, who today provides the family support that all girls so desperately need.
ELLIE
Ellie* came to our Safe Harbour Emergency Shelter when she was 18 years old after being kicked out by her mother. After efforts to work things out with her family were unsuccessful, Ellie transferred to our Transitional Living Program, where she attended school, worked and saved money to live on her own. After several months, Ellie graduated to our Independent Living Program, where she receives counseling, declining rent subsidy, and start-up assistance, as well as life skills training. Currently, she works full-time and attends classes at a local community college. Ellie is doing well and preparing to achieve the goals each of us want for the young people in our lives.
AUDREY
Audrey* was just 17 when she came to The Harbour. She had been living with her mother and step-father, but things were so contentious in the home that Audrey often stayed out overnight, drifting from friend to friend. When friend's homes were not options, she would hang out at the mall or library until closing, sometimes sleeping in bus terminals or train stations until dawn. One day, someone told Audrey about The Harbour. Audrey began in our Safe Harbour Emergency Shelter and transferred to our Transitional Living Program when efforts to reunite her with her family proved unsuccessful. During her stay, she obtained employment and finished her last year of high school. She recently left The Harbour to attend a 4-year university after earning a scholarship, and was driven to campus by one of The Harbour's own staff members.
STACY
At 20 years old, Stacy* found herself faced with seemingly insurmountable hardships. She was at conflict with her adoptive parents, experienced both physical and emotional abuse by her boyfriend, and suffered the devastating miscarriage of her twins. Having no place to turn, she entered The Harbour’s Transitional Living Program. During her stay, she attended community college full-time, held down two part-time jobs, and participated in all Harbour activities, including serving as a leader to her fellow roommates. Stacy recently moved into her own apartment, where she is now closer to school and both of her jobs. With a significant amount of her earnings saved during her stay in the TLP, she plans to soon transfer to a state university and major in education.
*all names have been changed to protect clients' privacy
