APPLICANTS

Nina was abused by her mother and placed in foster care at a young age. When she was 17, her social worker referred her to NYEP’s independent living program. In her words, she “pushed boundaries and broke house rules, but the staff didn’t give up on me.” She learned the benefits of adopting new lifestyle choices, including keeping a calendar, getting adequate rest, healthy eating, positive relationships, and critical thinking. “But I was in a hurry to get out and really didn’t pay attention like I should have,” she admits. Nina ended up having a child and became extremely stressed. Eventually, she landed in jail and lost her child to the system. “That put me over the edge. I fell into full depression and spent several months homeless before asking to be readmitted to the NYEP program.” After returning, Nina felt a desire to truly know and work on herself. Now, she says, “I try to give positive guidance to new residents. I work two part-time jobs, attend certificate training, and raise my son. I finally feel like I am part of a family.”