Archive for category: Hillcrest Program Success Story

Braedyn came into our program in January 2024.

Braedyn’s Journey in His Own Words:

“Before coming here, I was surrounded by a lot of darkness. I had lost my house, was in an abusive relationship, and struggled with addiction. I found myself in a trap house, full of drugs, needles, drug deals, and danger. There was a baby who called me dad, the son of the girl I was with, and he was in that trap house too. Being around him, I realized that I didn’t want that life.

When I was a child, I used addiction to raise myself. When I used drugs, I got my first job. That’s how I built my life and learned how to pay for things. When I met that little boy, I realized that didn’t work anymore. I didn’t want to model that lifestyle for anyone.

Soon after, I got to know God. God supported me and kept me safe. I practiced hearing from God on quiet walks and learned what His voice sounded like. One day, as I was walking around, asking God to guide and lead me, I walked past a sign for a job opening. I began to work at Amazon, and every day as I rode my bike to work, I would pass the HPC apartments, not realizing that’s where I would end up staying.

One day, someone picked me up and took me to the library; it turns out he had gone to Hillcrest. Then someone else mentioned Hillcrest, so I signed up. Then someone who goes to church with me said, ‘Try Hillcrest,’ and specifically mentioned Hillcrest Platte County. I knew that was the Hillcrest for me. I heard a voice and knew this is where I was supposed to be.

After couch surfing for months, I arrived at HPC.

During my journey at HPC, there was a garnishment on my paycheck that put me back into an addiction mindset because that’s how I had learned to cope. I hit my knees in my apartment praying, and I reached out to God to remind me why I was at HPC, why I was sober. I felt the power of God, and it calmed me down. I was reassured that I was in the right place.

It hit me: this place cares about me. I can’t fail. My case manager is not going to let me fail, HPC is not going to let me fail, God is not going to let me fail, God brought me here. I wept like never before. I realized that I had never let something outside myself care about me, I had never let God care about me, I had never let my mom care about me.

The power came from letting people care about me. I had never experienced that before.

A Maverick City Music quote that helps when I’m feeling fear, and that I live by now: ‘Hello peace, hello joy, hello love, hello strength, hello hope, it’s a new horizon, fear is not my future – You are, sickness is not my story – You are, heartbreak is not my home – You are, death is not the end Jesus – You are.’

Now, I am 100% debt-free.”

In September 2023, JJ boarded a bus and journeyed alone back to Platte City (PC) from Arkansas. Unfortunately, his initial housing plan fell through, leaving him living in a hotel with no income. Despite these challenges, JJ was surrounded by people who believed in him and wanted to help.

JJ was encouraged to apply to the young adult program at Hillcrest Platte County (HPC) and he moved into the PC campus just a few days after his 18th birthday, on October 18th. JJ has been full of positivity, bringing smiles, good conversation, and joy to everyone around him. From the moment he arrived, he has been a wonderful addition. JJ’s impeccable manners and upbeat attitude do not go unnoticed.

At HPC, JJ was able to embrace the full experience of his senior year. He played sports, attended school functions, went to dances, and enjoyed time with friends. He attended prom in his dream suit, Platte County Orange, and captured memorable senior pictures on the football field.

JJ secured a job, opened a bank account, learned to manage his finances, and developed essential life skills. He mastered his chores and took responsibility for his personal growth. JJ now looks forward to celebrating his high school graduation.

 

“Atlanta was a shady place,” Ricky recalled as he reflected on his decision to join our program in November 2023. Disillusioned by the cutthroat nature of the entertainment industry, Ricky made the bold choice to leave Atlanta behind and return to Kansas City in pursuit of a fresh start.

Arriving with minimal debt, Ricky’s tenacity propelled him forward. “I’ve got to get a car. I don’t want to ride the bus. I’ve got to get a car,” he declared, setting his sights on securing transportation. Through sheer determination, Ricky accomplished this goal within three weeks, acquiring a car and laying the groundwork for his future plans.

Utilizing a borrowed laptop, Ricky began to formulate his future business plan, determined to turn his dreams into reality. “As soon as it’s done, I’m gonna put it into action,” he’s affirmed.

Since joining the program, Ricky made significant financial progress, paying off a few hundred dollars in debt and saving over five thousand. Ricky’s dedication was rewarded with approval for an apartment, which he moved into on March 1st.

At graduation, Ricky expressed his gratitude by saying, “I just want to thank everyone, and I will definitely say this program is a blessing.”

Before coming to HPC, Ranesha was challenged by an unsupportive and toxic living situation with a family member. Determined to create a better environment for herself and her children, she made the courageous decision to leave, leading them to spend several months in a hotel. Since then, Ranesha’s life has been marked by numerous moments of celebration and growth.

While in the program, her daughter J. achieved the significant milestone of high school graduation, while her daughter B. showcased athletic prowess in track, qualifying for the semi-finals in the 200, 400, and 800-meter races. The joy in Ranesha’s life extends to her youngest daughter, A., adding an adorable touch to the family. In addition, Ranesha also enjoys the arrival of her first grandchild, J.’s baby girl, who was born in October.

Professionally, Ranesha embraced a role as an independent contractor for Amazon delivery. Simultaneously, she began to pursue her passion for caregiving by enrolling in CNA classes through the Kansas workforce office, aiming for a career in a nursing facility. Expressing a genuine love for taking care of others, Ranesha envisions a fulfilling path in her new ambition.

Ranesha’s time with HPC empowered her to pay off debt and build a comfortable savings account.

In her own words, Ranesha shares, “I just want to say I’m thankful for this program and it’s a blessing. I’m grateful for being here and getting some help and some assistance. Thank you. I want to thank everybody.”

Ivan’s journey with HPC housing began on April 21st of this year, carrying just a half-filled backpack. At first, he sought simple necessities like clothes and shoes, having been homeless for three years, resorting to couch surfing and hotel stays. Despite the initial defeatist attitude, Ivan’s transformation began through earnest conversations with his case manager. Confronting overwhelming issues, he discovered that many were manageable, and, with newfound confidence, he no longer feared facing challenges head-on.

Life skills sessions on Tuesday evenings became a pivotal part of Ivan’s progress. Interacting with others in similar situations, he found happiness within himself, realizing that external factors couldn’t bring joy. Grateful for the program, Ivan emphasized the importance of sticking to a budget and regaining personal happiness, highlighting how life can lose its luster when one loses oneself. Through perseverance and commitment, Ivan not only paid off debt but also increased his credit score. With a plan in place, he is set to move into his own apartment on December 1st.

Ivan’s case manager played a crucial role in guiding him and despite Ivan’s initial difficulties due to three years without responsibilities, the metaphorical “derailed train” of his life is back on track. Ivan also benefitted from the HPC Counseling Center and his story is now a testament to the transformative power of resilience, support, and a renewed sense of self-contentment.