Birthday Girl, terrified to turn 18.
“ One life in one black garbage bag!” Scared to turn 18, Heather’ s reality began to come sharply into view. No candles or sweet frosting awaited her; the feeling was as blank as a sheet of paper. Depending on young love, she turned to her boyfriend for the type of support a family would have provided as she faced the birthday so many foster children dread. Moving from Toledo to Lorain in hopes of better opportunities, Heather realized that not having anyone to fall back on made one foolish decision a life changing experience.
Desperately homeless, single, with no support system or options Heather found the Haven Center Homeless Shelter, the only extended stay 24 / 7 / 365 homeless shelter in Lorain County. Quickly gaining friends, she was able to start school, but found it impossible to gain employment without her GED. With the connections and services provided at the Haven Center, Heather was put in touch with resources to help her. After reluctantly contacting children services, Heather soon realized that she qualified for aftercare assistance offered to clients when they age out of Foster Care. Now because of your support Heather is in permanent housing, attending school and facing a brighter future.
for more information visit: www. MyNeighborhoodAlliance. com / shelter