Build Futures - Key to Youth Success

Sarah is a beautiful, intelligent 19 year old girl who contacted Build Futures after finding a business card in a nonprofit’s office. Sarah had been living in a junkyard for 11 months, sleeping in the bed of a windowless truck and sharing blankets with the junkyard cats. Constantly cold and dirty from the conditions of the junkyard, Sarah was alone and without hope. Sadly, living alone with no one to care for her was not a new experience for Sarah, who was abandoned by her parents at the age of 13, a traumatic experience that left her both emotionally and psychologically damaged. During the years after this incident, Sarah found herself struggling to find a job, and keep herself looking presentable despite her life on the streets. She wondered why all the people who passed by her could not see she needed help. Hoping to find some relief, Sarah approached multiple nonprofits, but was not able to receive help from any of them. Build Futures gave Sarah the assistance she desperately needed. Build Futures helped Sarah get a job, stable housing, pursue further education and most importantly, provided someone to care for and support her. With her basic life necessities being met, Sarah could begin to hope and dream of a better life. Sarah's story is similar to many other homeless 18-24 year olds living on the streets in Orange County, feeling invisible, alone and defeated. Build Futures provides hope and support as they move from surviving on the street to self-sufficiency.

by: Kathy Tillotson