Desiray and Layla's journey to their first home

From being homeless, to being placed in Cunningham’s Runaway and Homeless Youth (RHY) Services emergency shelter, to moving into their first home, Desiray and Layla have a lot to be thankful for.

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RHY was an integral part in facilitating and assisting Desiray with numerous community resources and advocacy to help her with childcare and secure housing. Desiray also benefited from another Cunningham Community Services program: Job Training and Economic Development (JTED) in which services are developed around an individual’s understanding of their skills, career interests and vocational goals.

“What I like most about JTED is how the staff goes above and beyond for their clients,” Desiray said. “They help me chase after my dreams, are very good listeners, are always there to help and are super nice and understanding.”

With this assistance, Desiray successfully completed the Pet Grooming training program at Angel Paws and is now employed there and moving forward with stability for the first time since her daughter was born. Her apartment has become a “home” thanks to donations from the Hope Chest, a space on Cunningham’s campus that gives clients, from our Community Services programs, a place to shop for needed items as they establish stable housing. The future is bright for Desiray and Layla and we couldn’t be happier for them.

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