Blog: Why I Want to Become a Part of AFG's Transition to Independent Living Program

Posted on April 24, 2013 by Daniella

About the blogger: Daniella is a relative newcomer to AFG’s Shelter. She wrote this blog as part of her application to AFG’s Transition to Independent Living (TIL) Program, AFG’s long-term shelter program that helps homeless young women become truly independent Since writing this, Daniella has been accepted into TIL.

My vision for an independent woman is, being able to rely on myself; having my own money, car, house and every other necessity. I’m homeless because after my father died, my mother was constantly trying to have me move in with relatives I really wasn’t close with. I was very depressed and had very low self-esteem. I had very bad grades starting in the 8th grade and it was hard for me to focus. In high school I got kicked out for 240 days and never went back. My mother and I didn’t get along once she got her new boyfriend. One day she kicked me out, but I saved $900 and moved to north California. But I was homeless there too and moved back here. Being here at Alternatives for Girls has helped me so much. Since I’ve been here, I’ve been going to school; I found a job and I have health insurance.

Participating in the TIL program will help me reach that goal by providing me a guaranteed place to stay so I don’t have to worry about where I’m going to lay my head after work. It will also help me save my money because I don’t have to pay rent. And when I’m ready to go back to California I will be prepared with enough money to buy an apartment.

Being here will also help me get a car. Catching the bus is hard, especially in the cold weather. The buses are unreliable and it can be harder trying to find work when relying on the bus. This program will help me save money for the future.

Blog: Why I Want to Become a Part of AFG’s Transition to Independent Living Program

Sign up to stay informed