Alex had previously stayed at our Crisis Program four times, the longest of which being 6 days. Alex was struggling to build relationships with staff and other youth and on every occasion he would leave unexpectedly. On his fifth stay Alex seem different, he was able to open up and explained about the struggles that he was facing. Alex talked about his drug use and how he felt it was holding him back from being the person he wanted to be. Alex felt that he had not been ready to trust anyone on his previous stays, but now felt that he was ready for support and help to make positive changes in his life. Over the next 4 months, Alex was able to access the support he needed and gain valuable life skills that helped him to secure and maintain a job and to find his own accommodation.
Alex is a good example of the youth that come to Covenant House and a good example of the Covenant House values of always being there for the youth and offering the same support and welcome. No matter where they are on their journey, if a youth is ready for support, the support is always there. If they are not then the support is there when they are.
Working at Covenant House Vancouver has been very inspiring as you get to see the interactions and relationships that are built every day. I love being able to a part of their journey and helping to empower them as they work toward their goals.
Shared by a youth worker in our Crisis Program