Makeyba

Makeyba is a beautiful 19 year-old young woman who resides in the Rights of Passage Transitional Living Program. She’s often found smiling. and making jokes, except for the moments here and there when her anger consumes her.

She never knew her biological parents and her foster Mom taught her to fend for herself. Once Makeyba turned 18, the checks from the government stopped coming and she soon found out that her Foster Mom didn’t want or need her anymore.

Makeyba was thrown away.

Left with nowhere to turn, she was dropped off at CHM, on her High School graduation day. She never even walked to receive her diploma. Makeyba didn’t want to come to Covenant House. She didn’t trust anyone and was angry and rightfully so.

“It makes me mad when people try and tell me how I should feel, they don’t know what I’ve been through, they can’t put themselves in my shoes.” she stated. “I’ve been abandoned my whole life.”

But Makeyba didn’t give up. She continued to push forward and applied for college. “I don’t have anybody to depend on, like everyone else. I realized at a young age that no one was going to do anything for me so I have to do it for myself.”

Today with the help of staff like Ms. Burton and Ms. Cambell, who she says are “like parents,” Makeyba is attending Wayne County Community College to pursue a degree in Criminal Justice and looking for a job.

Recently, Makeyba found someone that she can really confide in, who is helping her get past her anger. Tiffany, a recent intern in the Rights of Passage Program connected with Makeyba right away. “There’s something special about Makeyba that drew me towards her,” said Tiffany.

Tiffany asked if she could become Makeyba’s mentor. They spend a lot of time talking and hanging out. Tiffany is helping Makeyba change her attitude on life and encouraging her to open up and talk about her feelings.
“Tiffany is a blessing in my life,” said Makeyba.

Donate now to help Makeyba and other kids in our programs.