A’Yonna’s Journey
A’Yonna, Young Adult
When A’Yonna first came to Outreach in 2019, she was hesitant to ask for help. Growing up, she always had to rely on herself, so why start asking now? As a child, she’d come to Outreach with her mom when she was a young adult facing homelessness. A’Yonna remembers that, from hot meals and resource referrals for her mom to toys for A’Yonna, Outreach had walked with them in their journey.
Though A’Yonna remembered those positive times, now she was on her own homelessness journey, and needed to feel Outreach was a safe space. After that first visit, she didn’t come back until 2022 when she was referred by another local service provider. With that, A’Yonna returned, utilized our resources and services, and began building close relationships with our staff.
“When I had no food, they fed me,” she says. “When I was not able to shower, they allowed me to shower there. I had personal battles, and they were there every step of the way helping and guiding me, getting me the resources I needed.”
After A’Yonna received housing in late 2022, an Outreach coach invited her to try our coaching program with a dedicated 1:1 coach relationship, and opportunities to connect with peers through group experiences. Today, A’Yonna says working with her coach has allowed her to create bonds she thought she’d never have.
“I feel safe. I feel protected. I can be vulnerable and know it won’t be thrown back in my face. I've made so many connections that are good and healthy—something I don't really have in my life otherwise.”
A’Yonna’s coach has walked alongside her through several family conflicts. A’Yonna takes care of several younger siblings and is an advocate for them as they grow in their own journeys. Being in the coaching program has also exposed her to a variety of experiences, including camping and golf.
“With Outreach, I feel whole, like we are family. Every time I walk inside, everyone greets me with hugs and love and checks on how I'm doing. They make sure I have everything I need,
and if I don't, they connect me with the right resource. I am very thankful for the Outreach center and the staff.”
