Changing Trajectories: Vashon’s Story

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“I always knew it was me against the world. That was the main thing in my head, that it’s me against the world. The only thing I’ve got is myself.”

That was the consistent thought of Vashon, age 23, before he found YouthLink. Vashon had been living unsheltered on the streets for most of his life. “I was sleeping on trains and buses, walking around, stopping at hospitals, stealing food … just trying to make a way; to make something out of nothing.”

That’s when Vashon found YouthLink.

“I’d say the biggest thing that changed for Vashon after coming to YouthLink was his mental state. He had gotten to a point where he was contemplating suicide. But he was charismatic and persistent, and had goals and dreams for his future” said Shanice “Sunnie” Mason, one of Vashon’s Opportunity Navigators at YouthLink. Sunnie assured Vashon that he was going to be ok as long as he stayed consistent and took his time. “With commitment, we usually see everything align for the youth at YouthLink.” Sunnie said. “I’ve seen young people come here and leave business owners … we let them take the lead and ask, ‘what goals do you want to achieve? Who do you choose to be?’”

Vashon is passionate about taking care of people that are vulnerable and has dreams of doing work as a Registered Nurse (RN). He worked consistently with Sunnie and other YouthLink staff, and in spite of the uncertainty of COVID-19, was able to get connected to housing and employment very quickly. Sunnie was inspired by Vashon’s ability to not give up.

Vashon now has his own apartment, works a fulltime job, and is taking online classes to become a Registered Nurse.

“I would still probably be homeless by now if I didn’t find YouthLink.” said Vashon. “I probably wouldn’t have the mindset I have now if I didn’t have Youthlink … YouthLink is like my second family.” Every night in Minnesota, there are an estimated 6,000 youth struggling with homelessness, many of them unsheltered and on their own. Each year YouthLink serves more than 1,700 of these youth. YouthLink helps them build their self-confidence, affirm their hopes and dreams, and give them an opportunity to change the trajectory of their lives. Just as Vashon did.

Help youth like Vashon. As the cold weather approaches, more youth are coming to YouthLink. Your donation helps provide warm clothing, food, healthcare, housing and other services such as education and employment that move youth towards self-reliance.

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YouthLink serves more than 1,700 youth experiencing in homelessness in Minneapolis each year—over 90% are youth of color.[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column]
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