As she entered middle school, Emma’s mom struggled with mental health challenges and was occasionally hospitalized. Things worsened with the passing of Emma’s uncle. This took a significant toll on her mom’s emotional state and led to her struggle with addiction. Two of Emma’s siblings struggled with addiction as well which led to a tumultuous home environment for Emma. 

“I started slacking in school and became very angry, so I ended up getting suspended frequently for skipping class or not listening to teachers. My grades dropped tremendously as I stopped going to school. I was often super tired from being woken up by random people coming into the house or my parents fighting about the situation..”

Things spiraled with Emma’s family dynamic due to mental health challenges, abuse, and addiction. In the summer of 2019, Emma worked at a summer camp. She heard about a highschool leadership program while she was a camper on scholarship provided by The Coffee Oasis. She didn’t receive support or motivation from her parents, but went anyway. After the summer, things deteriorated with her family and led to a restraining order between her parents. 

At a counseling center, Emma found pamphlets on The Coffee Oasis housing services. She applied and a few days later met with a housing coordinator from The Coffee Oasis. She stayed with friends and her sister for a few weeks while the papers were signed and things were finalized before moving into her new home. 

Emma has been staying at a safe place through The Coffee Oasis and working with a case manager towards her goals for over 2 years now. She shared a bit about her experience saying…

“They really opened up a lot of opportunities in my life such as helping me in school, financially, getting a stable job, and my license… I wouldn’t have ever had that opportunity back with my parents. The Coffee Oasis housing services were a saving grace in getting me out of that situation and helping with my mental state from the trauma.”

Emma* would say to any youth considering housing through Coffee Oasis…

“I know it’s a big step and it can be scary. I was unsure and scared as well, but it’s a better option than whatever you’re dealing with. Everyone deserves a loving family, and sure it’s not biological and not the same feel, but getting that care and appreciation is key to moving forward in healing from the trauma.”

*name changed to protect privacy