Thalia Garcia

Living in an independent living program was a difficult experience, but I managed to rise above the difficulties.

The program was called Pathways. I came to this program at 17,  because I had to exit the foster care system and was still experiencing homelessness. Although I was sad and lonely at time, I was relieved to be entering the program. I finally had a place to go.

There were some great things about this program. For example they provided me with resources, there were opportunities to have fun, and they taught me valuable life skills.

Even though I had a part-time job, they gave me bus money, clothes, and other basic need items. I didn’t even have to pay rent, so I could save up. The resources they provided me gave me much needed stability and was helpful to my growth.

It was fun to hang out with the other youth. And the staff would often times take us out to places like parks and museums. We had a great time.

The stability and fun I had from the program was important, but one the most important things they did was teach us about life.

Most of the staff at pathways had a college background. They realized the need to help us grow.   If I was interested in applying to volunteer or go to a camp, the staff would help me with the application. They taught us about art, and life skill such as cooking. But most of all, they taught us the importance of education. They played an important role in my growth.

All of these things are great. However, I was a vulnerable youth and I had needs that weren’t met.

For example, a lot of the youth I lived with had a lot of challenges in their life and needed structure. Thus, there were many rules I had to follow.  It was difficult to follow all of the rules. I felt like all these rules didn’t align with being more independent.

I was always an independent child. Even when I was a little girl. But that doesn’t mean I didn’t need to depend on others. I wanted to be part of a family and know what a healthy family looked like. Something I felt like I never had.

I was assigned a staff to check in with about my life. We would work on my schedule, make sure I get appointment’s set-up, check-in about chores, and other things. The staff thought I was super independent, but I wanted the support that other youth had. I craved long-term and consistent social support.

This was hard for me, but the most difficult thing was that the program ended while I was still living there. Like many other programs, the funding changed and so the program was to be converted to a safe house for sexually exploited youth.They allowed me to stay, but I had to adapt. Imagine your home being change right in front of your eyes. The program no longer met my needs. It became stricter and less safe. There were fights and even death threats received from pimps.

I had to leave. So I left before the age of 18. With no guidance, I found myself in a even worse situation.

In spite of all of this, I was able to honor the staff that taught me the importance of education. I saw the importance of having support. And so I stayed connected to the supports I gained at pathways and connected with other homeless youth programs. This was over 7 years ago.  They have helped me overcome some of the tough challenges in my life just by being there for me. Through all this I earned a bachelor’s in public health, and I’m with you all here now. My support team helped me get a job, when I felt it was impossible. So although pathways was a difficult experience, I have made it through. I really appreciate the work that these social service workers provide. Thank you!