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