My name is Nia and my life matters. I am the only child of a teenage mother who was diagnosed with bi-polar disorder and schizophrenia.Text Box: Achieving Financial SecurityI didn’t have many friends growing up because my mother separated me from my peers. I saw my mother being mistreated because of her condition and constantly worried about a future for my mother and me. Then, my grandparents were granted custody of me by Family Court but living with them was uncertain and abusive.
As my 18th birthday neared, one of my grandparents asked me where I was working. I replied a local fast- food chain and a retail store. He said those jobs were not sufficient to earn enough money for my keep and that there wasn’t enough room in the house for me and I had to leave.
My youth advocate at Social Services recommended I go to Family & Children’s Association’s emergency shelter known as Nassau Haven until I was able to find long-term stable housing. Two hours later a staff member from Nassau Haven came to pick me up and immediately upon my arrival helped me make important phone calls regarding my health insurance. While there I kept busy by reading, making calls and working because I didn’t know what would happen next.
Then I heard a fellow resident explain FCA’s Walkabout, a place that teaches young people how to become independent while learning new skills and learning the importance of a good education.
After a short period of stay at Nassau Haven, I went on an interview at Walkabout. At Walkabout I learned resilience. I was taught how to cook, how to apply for college and jobs, how to dress for job interviews and how to drive by going to driving school. I became stronger than ever!
I was shown compassion and experienced attention from caring adults. The staff often asked how I was doing and how I was feeling. They inquired about my schoolwork and how things were going at work. I was able to experience joy and happiness for the first time in my life. Recently my 18-month stay at Walkabout came to an end and I was ready to move into my own room.
During my long stay at Walkabout, I also learned the value of hard earned money! I saved over $18,000 to begin a new journey. I am currently at Nassau Community College and on target to graduate and transfer to a four year college.
Although I have moved out of Walkabout, the staff and I have maintained our connection. Here is a little secret: I really needed their support after I moved out. They continue to offer it and it has been invaluable.