“Dear Friend,
My name is Maya, and I want to share my story with you.
Not too long ago, I faced some really hard times. After things didn’t work out with my foster family, I had nowhere to go. I ended up living in an adult shelter.
It was a scary place. I was a teenager surrounded by older people. Many of the residents were facing substance abuse, anger, and other issues. I felt like I didn’t belong… I was afraid all the time.
Then, I found Sasha Bruce Youthwork. As soon as I was placed at Philip Reid House, everything changed for the better. I was finally around people my age who understood what I was going through and adults who I could trust. I wasn’t alone anymore.
At Philip Reid House, I have my own bedroom and bathroom, which gives me privacy and dignity. I’m building relationships with peers and caring staff like Mr. George and Ms. Helen, who help me feel safe. They care about me, listen to me, and give me hope.
Together we made a plan to help me get through the hard stuff.
Philip Reid House couldn’t be there for me without help from people like you. Your support made it possible for young people like me to find safety, care, and a chance to move forward.
Now, I’m applying for jobs and I’m excited about a future in theater. I am learning many life skills along with the residents around me while working towards my individual goals with my case manager.
I want others who have walked the same journey that I had to access care and support that will help them to stabilize and succeed. We all deserve that!
Thank you for reading my story and considering making a difference for young people like me.
With gratitude,
Maya
Resident, Philip Reid House”
For 50 years, Sasha Bruce Youthwork has held onto a simple truth: every young person deserves a loving place to call home. During Youth Hope Month this November, and through the winter season, we invite you to join the community in raising awareness for children and young adults who are unhoused or separated from their families.
Maya’s journey is one of the incredible stories of resilience we see every day at Sasha Bruce Youthwork. Every action you take helps to shine a light on the challenges faced by more than 4.2 million other young people in the U.S. who are experiencing homelessness or considering leaving home.
Looking to make a year-end contribution? Your gift, no matter the size, will help sponsor housing, counseling, or workforce training for homeless youth. Visit give.sashabruce.org/maya to learn how or mail your check to Sasha Bruce Youthwork, ATTN: Jasmine Thakurdas, 741 8th St SE, Washington, DC 20003. You may also email drico@sashabruce.org.
Looking to volunteer? Our annual Adopt-A-Home for the Holidays is a meaningful way to bring joy to homeless youth this season. You can provide or wrap gifts, cook or cater a warm meal, and more. Email LBailey@sashabruce.org to learn more.
Founded in 1974, Sasha Bruce Youthwork is the leading provider of homeless youth services in the DC region. We envision a community where homelessness is brief, non-recurring, and non-existent at all. Let’s build something better together.
