“She was basically an angel for me; always there and came out to support me whenever I needed it.” Those are the words of Alex, an ambitious 21-year-old who faced challenges early in his life.

These words ring true to the importance of programs like LifeSet, which aim to provide support and guidance to transition-age youth to help them establish successful independence.

Alex grew up along the coast of North Carolina and spent years feeling isolated, without support from the people around him. Much of his trauma began at home, rooted in a troubled relationship with his mother. Throughout his life, their relationship was rocky, marked by verbal and physical abuse directed at both him and his sister.

“I didn’t know that what I was experiencing wasn’t normal,” Alex said. “It wasn’t until I went to the doctor and I decided to be honest about how I was feeling.”

That’s when Alex learned he was dealing with signs of depression and anxiety due to the abuse he and his sister faced. Once he learned about his diagnosis, he began seeing a therapist to help him work through that trauma.

As a teenager, Alex was still living under his mother’s roof while attending therapy and learning to unpack the trauma he carried for years. During one session, his therapist encouraged him to explore Youth Villages and the support they provide. Motivated to take charge of his future and eventually live on his own, Alex reached out and made a self-referral.

Alex was paired with Theresa, a LifeSet specialist. At first, he couldn’t even make eye contact with his specialist because he was so shy and had little to no confidence. Step by step, Theresa helped him build trust, secure housing, find employment and develop the confidence to engage with others.

“He’s one of the most resilient people I’ve met,” Theresa said. “To witness where he is today versus where he started is amazing.”

Today, Alex has a deep understanding of what life has offered him, but he’s not letting his past define him. He has made peace with his past:

With the support of LifeSet, Alex has maintained employment, housing and received support in his community. He is also a very talented artist who loves to draw.

“Ever since I was in third grade, I always used drawing as a form of escapism,” Alex said. “It’s also something I’m very passionate about.”

With LifeSet’s guidance, Alex is thriving and planning for a future as a full-time artist.

Help more young adults like Alex thrive

Every day, young people aging out of foster care or navigating life on their own need guidance and resources to succeed. Your gift to Youth Villages’ LifeSet program provides housing, education, employment support, and encouragement to help them achieve their dreams.

Donate today and be the reason a young adult steps confidently into independence.

About Youth Villages – North Carolina

In collaboration with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, our North Carolina services focus on strengthening families to prevent or reduce the need for out-of-home placements (Intercept, MST, and High Fidelity Wraparound) and supporting youth who age out of foster care or lack a stable caregiver as they transition to adulthood (LifeSet).

Donate now or become a corporate partner to help us expand our reach and build a stronger community.

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