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12 Kids of Christmas: Meet Natalie
December 14, 2009 - 1:04pm
Reason to Give #9:
Money doesn’t grow on trees.
We all had to face this reality when our parents stopped paying all our bills. Like we did, our kids need to learn the value of money, saving and time management. We need to help them transition into adulthood.
Homelessness is not a simple fix. Many of the youth who live in our Crisis Center need long-term assistance. That’s why we have a two year transitional living program.
Rights of Passage gives our youth a safe environment to continue to pursue their education and find a job while learning independent living skills such as time and money management and decision making. Every resident develops a life plan that outlines their goals and leads them towards successful independent living.
Meet Natalie.
Natalie is 22 and resides in our Rights of Passage Transitional Living Program.
We asked her her story, here's what she said:
Why did you come to Covenant House?
My sister gave me a month and a half to move out. I looked for an apartment, but couldn't find something I could afford. So I started to look for a bed space at a shelter. I was coming down to my sister's deadline when I found Covenant House.
If you could pick one thing that Covenant House has helped you with, what would it be?
Getting back into school and clearing my credit card debt.
What are you grateful for?
I am grateful that I can sleep in a bed, take warm showers and be able to eat 3 times a day.
What's your best memory at Covenant House?
Going to Old Navy for a shopping spree. The store selected a few residents to come and shop for the day. Covenant House selected me because I follow rules and work hard. I received a lot of nice clothing.
And finally, what do you want to accomplish in the new year?
Have a successful job, graduate from Everest Training School, and enroll into a 3 month sign language program. Before I leave, I hope to save money and have my debt cleared.
Yes! I want to give today to help young people learn the skills they need to be independent and successful and help all your kids, like Natalie, succeed!
