Each youth who is homeless has a distinct history, personal challenges and triumphs, a unique story to tell. We thank the four youth who allowed us to share their stories. Names have been changed to respect their privacy.

Vanessa

Vanessa was born to a 14-year-old mother and raised by her grandmother. At age 12, she found her grandmother murdered. In need of a place to stay, she "couch surfed" among extended family and friends. A police officer told her about Teen Living Programs, and she arrived at Belfort House when she was 18. While there, Vanessa found employment, saved $8,000, and graduated into the CaSSA program. TLP staff helped her land her current job in a hospital phlebotomy department. Now living independently, she is working to complete her nursing degree.

Kendall

Because of his parents' substance abuse issues, Kendall lived with his grandmother until he was 16. When it became clear she was unwilling to accept his sexual orientation, he left home. "TLP provides a lot of educational and vocational help, but just as important, it's more than a job for the staff. They care. It's more of a community feeling," he says. Now 19, Kendall is involved in TLP's Shoulder-to-Shoulder program and is employed full-time at a men's clothing store. He earned his high school degree and is now enrolled in courses to become a registered nurse.

Denise

Denise lived with her aunt and a friend, but when the relationship soured, she needed to find a place to live. TLP wasn't just a new home; it was a better environment, which gave her a reason to change. Reconstructing one's life is extremely difficult, and Denise has experienced her share of bumps and setbacks along the way, but is getting back on track. "I'd like people to know that now I'm focused. I'm motivated. I have a plan," Denise says. She is heading toward completing her high school GED.

Tina

Tina lived with her mother, but after repeated conflicts over Tina's sexual orientation, she left home. She slept on a friend's floor for a while until she heard about TLP from a social worker at school. She came to Belfort House at age 18 and remembers it as "the day my life changed." While at Teen Living Programs, she finished her high school degree and maintained seasonal work at UPS. After nine months at Belfort House, Tina graduated into the CaSSA program, from which she, in turn, graduated, and lives an independent, satisfying life. Tina attends college, works full-time, and serves on the National Network for Youth board of directors.