Adopt-a-kid program
The “Adopt-A-Kid” program is designed to educate the community about the trials facing our at-risk youth, while providing an opportunity to financially support the programs and services provided by Life House. Each month, we're featuring a different Life House teen by telling their unique stories and the role that Life House has played in changing their lives. Below you will see the stories of our current Life House youth. For more success stories, visit our 2012 or 2011 Adopt-A-Kid yearbooks.
For as little as $29 a month, you can “adopt” some of the needs of a Life House youth. That amount can go towards necessities like hot meals, personal hygiene or even bus fare to get to school. The estimated annual cost per youth supported by Life House programs is $1,500. You can open doors for a local youth. Use the button at right to donate now.
May Feature: Amber's Story
“Without Life House, I honestly have no idea where I would be today. I don’t even
want to know….”
Since age 16, Amber has desired a safe place to belong. However, personal troubles and hanging out with the wrong crowd lead to a life on the streets. Before long, Amber realized there must be something more to get out of life.
That’s when Amber found Life House.
Amber heard about Life House from a friend, and one day she decided to visit for food.
Amber soon built relationships with Life House staff and youth, and connected with Life
House programs for help with life goals.
Today, with support from Life House staff, Amber has realized her potential to achieve
her goals. Her school grades have improved, and she is now on track to graduate with
her peers in the 2013 school year!
“Life House is a very great place. They taught me to never give up, no matter how
things go in life.”
January Feature: La'Sheda's Story
“I don’t know where I would be without Life House. Being homeless is really hard to get out of.”
A mother of a three-year old son, La’Sheda tried to be independent and strong. However, when she was forced to leave her home with no place to turn, she realized that she needed help to survive. Moving from shelter to shelter was becoming a real struggle for her and her child.
That’s when La’Sheda found Life House.
La’Sheda heard about Life House from a fellow shelter resident, who told her about getting help with safe housing and health goals. Soon, La’Sheda connected with Life House staff for help with getting her own apartment, as well as school and mental health services.
Today, La’Sheda has secured safe housing for herself and her child, has achieved her high school diploma, and is now working toward a full-time job with help from Life House.”
“The staff at Life house helped me thrive. They continue to help me on my path to be successful, not only for myself but for my son.”
February Feature: Bobby's Story
“I honestly don’t know where I would be today without Life House. I’d be nowhere, lost.”
Since age 15, Bobby has taken care of himself alone due to instability in the home. As a teen, struggling from substance abuse with no support, Bobby was forced into homelessness. Soon, Bobby learned that life on the streets wasn’t so easy.
That’s when Bobby found Life House.
Bobby was passing by Life House one day, and decided to drop in for food. Shortly after, Bobby built a relationship with Life House staff, and began to connect to Life House programs. Today, Bobby is safely housed and is receiving counseling for help with his sobriety.
“Without Life House, I would not be the man I am today. For those who struggle, please know there is help. And that help is Life House.”
March Feature: Mary's Story
“Since I was 10 years old I’ve been taking care of my mother just as much as she’s been taking care of me.”
Since age 14, Mary found herself staying at crisis youth shelters for safety and support. At times, Mary and other youth would visit Life House to find safe, fun activities. Later, as an older teen Mary became homeless with nowhere to go.
That’s when Mary found Life House.
“I was in desperate need of housing. I couldn’t stay with my friend and her dad. I remembered Life House, and I immediately looked them up.”
At Life House, Mary moved into her own apartment through the Housing Program. Once safe and healthy, Mary was able to focus on her employment goals with Life House staff performing outreach on the streets of Duluth.
“We walked the streets and talked to youth about Life House. We went under bridges, on the bus, all over Duluth finding kids who need Life House services.”
Today, Mary used her job skills to find full-time work as a housekeeper. She has exited the Life House Housing Program into her own safe place, and is working on completing her high school education while looking into some colleges.
“If it weren’t for Life House, I’d probably still be struggling to find a place to stay. I just know where I am today is far better because of Life House.”
Mary was originally featured in March of 2011. Click here to see her previous story. Life House would like to congratulate her on her accomplishments.
April Feature: Shayla's Story
“Without Life House I would be still looking for shelter for me and my baby.”
Shalya grew up in a single parent home of four children – five mouths to feed on very low income. As a teen, Shalya became pregnant and left home to ease the strain on her family. Soon, she became homeless while “couch hopping” from house to house.
That’s when Shalya found Life House.
“I’m a shy person, but I can be strong. I knew I needed a safe place to stay, and help with high school if I was going to leave the streets.”
At Life House, Shalya found food and shelter, and friends to support her while she moved forward in life. Soon, with support from Life House staff, Shalya moved into safe housing. Once safe, Shalya was able to focus on her long-term education goals.
Today, Shalya has her own apartment for herself and her two children. She recently finished high school, and is now working with Life House staff for help with college.
“If not for Life House, I would still be looking for safe housing with no diploma. Thank you so much for helping me when no one else would.”
Shalya was originally featured in May of 2012. Click here to see her previous story. Life House would like to congratulate her on her accomplishments.
To view the stories of other Life House youth, click on the year to view our previous "Adopt-A-Kid" Yearbooks for 2012 and 2011.
For more information about Life House and the “Adopt-A-Kid” program, contact Jeff Woolverton or call 218-722-7431. To make a donation online, click the button below.
