Lisa always knew she had value – even when others didn’t see it as she struggled with homelessness and financial instability.
She was determined to do everything she could to improve her situation. After first staying in our crisis shelter, Lisa moved to our CIBC Rights of Passage transitional housing program. Here, she had a stable roof over her head and a chance to gain important life skills such as money management. This helped ensure that she could pay off debts, rent, other monthly bills, and save for her future.
Lisa’s stay also allowed her to meet other youth and learn from the challenges they were working hard to overcome, like finishing school, finding a job or securing housing. Their experiences were a reminder that, “your financial status is not an indicator of your character. Your value to this world is found in your resiliency in times of adversity and your empathy for the most vulnerable.”
This belief stuck with Lisa after leaving Covenant House. It led her to find a job with a tech company supporting the employment sector on various projects like inclusive hiring.
It also steered her towards volunteering with the City of Toronto. Here, she participated in highlighting how the city’s programs and services impact youth. She also volunteered at George Brown College to help marginalized students enter apprenticeships.
Lisa states, “I enjoy helping others discover how their talents can create unique opportunities for finding and engaging in meaningful work.” Understanding that we all possess something worth sharing, Lisa is making her mark by giving others the chance they deserve.
*Note: To protect this youth’s identity, we have changed her name at her request and used a stock photo.