Searching for an Oasis

AJ found herself experiencing homelessness for the second time in her life at the age of 18. The first time she stayed in a shelter was with her mom and brother at a much younger age.

However, this time was different. She felt the hardships that, in hindsight, she hadn’t realized her mom was bearing when she was young. “The environment I came from was not good, I was surrounded by poverty and violence. I left home at 18 because I didn’t want to get stuck in that environment,” AJ said.

She didn’t realize how hard it would be to build a life of her own while experiencing homelessness.

Suffering from a chronic illness, AJ had physical limitations that made living in a shelter and finding housing very difficult. “I was living in a shelter, but I was the youngest person there. They could not help me, so I had to look elsewhere for my resources.”

“My experience has been amazing and life-changing.”

AJ

AJ found SJCS and the Oasis program through an online search. After searching for “homeless youth with disabilities,” she contacted our program staff and she was shocked at what happened next.

When she met with the Oasis program staff, she was comforted by how caring, passionate, and understanding they were. “I knew from that day they would be there for me no matter what,” AJ shared.

Almost nine months later AJ has a home of her own. Her apartment is accessible with an elevator she uses as she continues to learn how to manage her pain and participate in physical therapy.

“My experience has been amazing and life-changing.” AJ is getting ready to enter college this fall, where she is majoring in psychology and education. She currently works full-time as a teaching assistant for three-, four-, and five-year-old’s.

At 20 years old AJ is making a new beginning for herself. And it’s all because of community members like you who believe in second chances, the resilience of the human spirit, and the right of every individual to belong and achieve their dreams.

After being disappointed again and again by inaccessible housing or programs that don’t cater to youth experiencing homelessness, the Oasis program was a breath of fresh air for AJ. “I thought they might really be able to help me.”

AJ’s resilience, drive, and goals are inspiring. “In order to get through life you have the good parts and you have to get through the bad parts.” We are also inspired by caring friends like you who so generously help SJCS continue to provide these vital support services to youth experiencing homelessness.