Meet Ruby, a student at a local community college in Wilmington, North Carolina. She recently took a trip to Mexico to spend time with family, and she has plans to complete her bachelor’s degree in architecture at University of North Carolina-Charlotte after graduation.

Today, Ruby is a thriving young adult, but her accomplishments did not come without trials. She grew up speaking Spanish at home and had a tough time learning English, making it difficult to find her place in the community. “At home, I never felt like I was Hispanic enough,” Ruby said. “I also have a different culture than my peers, so what I was dealing with at home was different than everyone else.”

Ruby’s teen years were marked by significant emotional challenges. She struggled with anxiety and depression, which often made it difficult to connect with peers and build meaningful friendships within her community. These internal struggles, coupled with strained family dynamics at home, only furthered these challenges.

Thankfully, Ruby formed a strong and supportive bond with a high school social worker, who was a source of guidance and stability. Before graduation, she introduced Ruby to Youth Villages’ LifeSet program, which helps young adults ages 17-21 establish independence, life skills and support to successfully live on their own. Ruby has been working with her LifeSet specialist, Nicole, and is also part of LifeSet Scholars, a program that provides extra support for LifeSet participants in college or vocational training.

Ruby says it’s because of the support Youth Villages provided that she found a safe space and a sense of someone who cares.

Growing up, Ruby didn’t know what was possible, as they did not have much as a family. Nicole helped her see things differently. Ruby applied to and was accepted to college and found a job. She went from having no plans for herself to creating new goals to achieve. “Nicole is someone who would get me out of bed on days I wanted to stay in my room all day,” Ruby said.

At a recent event, Ruby expressed her gratitude for programs like LifeSet.“I probably wouldn’t be in college without the help of Youth Villages,” she said. “These days, I go to school, have a job, go to therapy and do community service. While every day is not sunshine and rainbows, I know I have people I can reach out to and talk to if needed. I now know there’s nothing wrong with asking for help. I know I am important and the people around me are important, and everyone is just trying to get through the day.”

North Carolina has been providing support to transition-age youth for 20 years and continues to grow in the number of young people we serve. If you would like to know more about how you can support young adults like Ruby, please visit our website to learn how you can be the difference.

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