Welcome back to the United Methodist Youth Home (UMYH) April Awareness Month blog series! In our first post, we discussed the vital need for UMYH’s services in our community. This week, we want to shift the focus to the incredible transformations and successes that happen every day within our walls and beyond, thanks to the comprehensive support systems UMYH provides.
Behind every statistic and program description are real young people navigating complex challenges. At UMYH, we believe in their potential, and we witness firsthand how tailored support, dedicated mentorship, and a stable environment can unlock brighter futures. These are not just anecdotes; they are testaments to resilience and the power of community care.
Finding a Path Through Education:
Many youth arrive at UMYH feeling discouraged by traditional school settings. Our Day Education and Truancy Intervention programs offer a different approach – one that meets students where they are and empowers them to succeed at their own pace.
- Lataviona felt traditional school was “draining” and “boring.” She admits, “If I hadn’t come to UMYH, I probably would have dropped out. It was the first place I felt inspired to put in the work to graduate.” Now, she appreciates the check-ins, the meals provided, and the ability to work one-on-one, seeing graduation as her “key to success.”
- Daisa battled anxiety about school and initially feared UMYH would be restrictive. Instead, she found a place where she could step out when stressed and learn without feeling pressured. Now, she’s earned her High School Equivalency (HSE) and dreams of becoming a tattoo artist.
- Cambry felt unchallenged and unmotivated in traditional high school, eventually stopping altogether. At UMYH, the individualized approach clicked. “In Day Education, you get to make it your very own experience… If something ever doesn’t make sense, you have someone there learning with you—not instructing you.” She achieved her goals in just eight months.
- Tay, worked through significant ups and downs with motivation in the Truancy program. Despite failing tests initially, persistent support from staff like Jeff Nossett helped him keep going. Upon finally passing his last HiSet subject, Tay reflected that he learned “just because you fail at something once, twice or however many times, you don’t have to give up… He realized that hard work, no matter how long, will pay off.”
These stories show the profound impact of offering alternative educational pathways.
Success at UMYH isn’t just measured through academics though; it’s also about developing crucial life skills, emotional regulation, and the confidence to navigate adulthood.
- V, reflecting on her time in Residential and Day Education, notes the biggest positive changes are “Learning to work better/cooperate with others, and self-calming and regulating my emotions… I’ve improved a lot in not arguing all the time, as well as listening to others.” She also highlights the practical help from the Aftercare program, like getting furnishings for his apartment and “regular, consistent check-ups from Chinn.”
- Rose, who was at UMYH 20 years ago, credits staff like Dixie and Mabel for helping her find her first job, look for apartments, and providing mentorship she hadn’t experienced before. “Everything I learned from UMYH… I now pass along to my children.”
- Tabitha, placed at UMYH in 2017, completed the residential program and graduated high school. Today, she’s working, living independently with her husband, and raising her young son – a testament to the lasting foundation UMYH helped build.
- Kynzie, who was in the residential program twice, persevered through significant challenges. She graduated high school early, moved into her own apartment, has been accepted into medical school, and is active in her university outreach and volunteering. She serves as a powerful example to current residents.
UMYH understands that success requires addressing the whole person – physically, mentally, and emotionally. These transformations – from educational achievements to newfound independence and emotional growth – are possible because of the foundation UMYH provides. But UMYH cannot do it alone.
Your Support Creates Success Stories
This April Awareness Month, we invite you to become part of the story. The success of young people like V, Lataviona, Rose, Tabitha, Tay, and countless others relies on the generosity and commitment of our community.
Here’s how you can help write the next chapter:
- Donate: Your financial gift directly supports our programs and the youth we serve. Every dollar helps provide shelter, education, therapy, and essential life skills training.
- Volunteer: Share your time and talents. Sharing a meal, or helping with activities can make a profound difference.
- Spread Awareness: Talk about UMYH. Share our mission and these stories with your friends, family, and networks.
Thank you for supporting the United Methodist Youth Home. Together, we can continue to empower young people to overcome challenges and build successful, fulfilling lives.
