Dee came to Fred Finch when she was 16 years old after multiple hospitalizations for self-injurious behavior. Abused and neglected by her family, she had little hope for a bright future. Dee was a participant in one of Fred Finch’s first programs for Transition Age Youth (TAY), young adults aged 18 – 24 years old. The purpose of the program is to support youth that have “aged-out” of foster care and need a healthy springboard from which to begin their adult lives. Successfully graduating from Fred Finch more than a decade ago, Dee wrote to us recently, reflecting on her time at Fred Finch. Here’s what she said:
“I can honestly say that without the support and teachings of Fred Finch I would not be where I am today. Living in the house we learned how to cook, clean, shop and get along on our own when the time came. We learned just about everything there was to know about renting an apartment and maintaining it. We learned about renter’s rights, which I still refer to even to this day when I have a problem with my landlord. We also learned how to be safe in our apartment. There was one thing missing though. When it came time for me to leave Fred Finch, I had no support. I had no one to turn to when I was lonely or scared. So, it was no surprise that on my first night alone in my apartment, I left running, crying and scared down Broadway Ave. And then I did the only thing I could think to do…I called my ex-staffer, Charles. He supported me and guided me; he gave me the courage and some practical tools to go back home and relax.”