Emma was 17 when she began receiving services from YBGR’s Supported Employment Program (SEP). Her counselor, Chris Cutright, helped her create a resume, provided interview tips, and assisted her in getting a job interview with a local sporting goods store. Much to Emma’s delight, she was hired and worked her way up to a manager. Just recently, Emma’s dad and step-mom, with whom she had been living, moved out of state. Her mom was in town but was not healthy enough to be in Emma’s life. With the high cost of rent, Emma struggled to find a place to live and was staying with friends.
Now, thanks to the new SEP Housing Fund, courtesy of generous donors, Emma has her own apartment. The fund assists with the deposit and rent with the rental assistance stepping down over a year period. SEP Director Liz Campoy reports, “I cannot put into words the look on Emma’s face when she was handed the keys to her new apartment. She is incredibly grateful to the donors who have helped her on her way to financial independence.” Emma is now 19, still working as a manager at the same sporting goods store, makes and sells her own jewelry, and is a talented photographer. Way to go, Emma!!
*For the privacy of the youth served at the Ranch, names have been changed. Image(s) shown here are a representation of those served at the Ranch.
