Started in 2018 and by far our most ambitious, but most hope-filled program, THRU Project’s NEXT STEP HOUSING PROGRAM addresses the very serious and very real issue of homelessness after aging out of foster care.
BRIDGING THE GAP:
HOUSING IMPACT
Think about it for a moment, if you don't have a safe, stable home, then everything else can easily fall apart -- work, school, relationships -- making it seen impossible to get ahead in life and actually succeed.
AN INTERVIEW WITH ROBYN:
THRU Project Next Step Program Graduate
Question: What other options for housing were available to you at the time that you entered the program?
Robyn: I did not have any options. I was about to be evicted because I could not pay rent. I just graduated college and was looking for a full-time career position. Next Step Housing saved me from being homeless.
Question: In general, what had THRU Project done for you?
Robyn: THRU Project gave me a hand when I needed it. Instead of being homeless and scared. I had a roof over my head so that I could find a career job and start saving money.
Question: What would you say your biggest accomplishment was during or immediately after your participation?
Robyn: My biggest accomplishment from the Next Step Housing Program was being able to find a good job. Being in the program allowed me to focus on finding the right job for me without worrying about being evicted or homeless.
Question: What do you feel you gained from participating in the Next Step Housing Program?
Robyn: I feel like I gained a sense of stability. I had the opportunity to grow personally from the program. Not only did I save money but I completed a monthly budget sheet which allowed me to track my expenses so I can cut back on unnecessary expenses and maximize my savings.
Question: What does having a place to call your own mean to you?
Robyn: Having a place to call my own meant the world to me. It was my own escape everything. I never felt unsafe or worried someone will kick me out. It was my own haven.
Question: How would you describe your overall experience in the Next Step Housing Program?
Robyn: I had a great experience in the program. I learned different skills like budgeting, meal planning, saving and other useful information.
UPDATE ON ROBYN:
After graduating our program, Robyn came to work with us at THRU Project as our Program Outreach Coordinator and was a valuable member of our team, working closely with our youth and their mentors. After two years in that position, Robyn made the move up north but we still keep in touch … and we always will. Good Luck, Robyn!
ROBYN PARKER
THRU Project Program Outreach Coordinator
Robyn graduated from University of Texas San Antonio with a degree in Health with a concentration in Community and Preventative Services. Robyn has worked with Communities in Schools of South Central Texas working with at-risk youth and worked with THRU Project for two years. Robyn aged out of the foster care system at 19, bringing a unique perspective to the program. As a former foster kid Robyn understands the importance of having someone in your life who cares about you and encourages you to pursue your dreams. Robyn’s goal is to inspire youth to pursue their dreams and break the cycle.
