Archive for category: Hillcrest Program Success Story

The HPC Young Adult Program: A Turning Point

Ryan’s Inspirational Journey to Success

Life often presents challenges that test our resilience and determination, and Ryan’s story is a testament to the power of unwavering perseverance and the support of the right community. Ryan’s journey from living in his car while trying to finish high school to successfully graduating from the HPC Housing program and securing a bright future is nothing short of inspiring.

Imagine trying to focus on your studies and complete high school while struggling to find a safe place to live. This was the reality for Ryan, who found himself living in his car for months, battling against circumstances that could have easily shattered his dreams. Despite these overwhelming challenges, Ryan stayed enrolled in school, to create a better life.

The Young Adult Program: A Turning Point

The HPC program provided Ryan with the support and the resources he needed to overcome his dire situation. Through the program, he not only found a stable living environment but he also found a network of individuals who believed in his potential. With the guidance of the housing staff, Ryan began to rebuild his life step by step.

One of the most remarkable achievements in Ryan’s journey was earning his high school diploma. Through hard work, Ryan crossed the finish line and proudly held his diploma in his hands.

Ryan’s journey didn’t end with his high school diploma. With newfound confidence and determination, he pursued full-time employment in the security sector. His commitment to building a stable future pushed him to excel in his job, proving that with the right mindset, even the most challenging obstacles can be overcome.

Prioritizing Family

Despite the demands of his job and his personal journey, Ryan never lost sight of what truly mattered to him – his daughter. He made it a priority to maintain regular contact with her and consistently provide child support. This dedication to his family highlighted Ryan’s transformation into a responsible and caring individual.

A Bright Future Ahead

As Ryan successfully graduated from the Housing program, a new chapter in his life began. With his head held high and his heart full of hope, he moved into his own apartment in downtown Kansas City. His words at the graduation ceremony – “If it weren’t for HPC, I don’t know where I would be, and I know I wouldn’t be where I am today” – encapsulate the gratitude he feels for the program that helped him transform his life. Ryan’s inspiring tale serves as a beacon of hope, encouraging us all to believe in our potential and to never give up, no matter the obstacles that come our way. There’s no doubt that Ryan’s journey is far from over – it’s just beginning.

Christina: Reunited With Her Seven Children

After going through a divorce, Christina had been struggling to establish stability. She was completely reliant on her ex-husband financially, which put her in a situation where she needed to work hard to find a job and gain independence.

Since being with Hillcrest she has reunited with her seven children and is finally working on bettering herself. She has a full-time job, receives counseling, and is paying off her debt to work toward becoming self-sufficient.

Christina is excited that she is getting the time, support, and resources to reach her goals, by moving into the Next Steps to Success program.

Rachel’s Journey of Empowerment at Hillcrest Platte County

Facing the challenging reality of her husband’s return to alcohol, Rachel made the brave decision to file for divorce. With two young sons to protect and a desire for a safer, more stable future, Rachel sought refuge and support at Hillcrest Platte County (HPC).

Upon entering the HPC program, Rachel set ambitious goals for herself: pay off debt, save money, and secure a place of her own. Through sheer determination and the resources provided by HPC, Rachel not only achieved but surpassed these objectives. With a Master’s degree in hand, which she had obtained previous to entering the program, and a fulfilling job, Rachel has paved the way for a brighter future for herself and her sons.

The success doesn’t end there. Now settled in her own apartment, Rachel plans to give back to HPC by offering parenting classes to future participants.

J’s Story: Kim Lewis Yates Scholarship

During challenging circumstances, J. found solace and support at Hillcrest Platte County (HPC). Seeking refuge from an abusive family environment and unsafe living conditions, J. arrived at HPC with the determination to complete her high school education.

Upon joining the HPC family, J. not only found a safe haven but also a pathway to realizing her dreams. In her last semester of high school, she worked tirelessly to complete her education, overcoming obstacles that seemed insurmountable. With the unwavering support of the HPC community and the guidance of dedicated counselors, J. successfully graduated from high school – a remarkable achievement.

In turn, J. was awarded assistance from the Kim Lewis Yates scholarship. This scholarship paved the way for J. to pursue higher education at Kansas State University, opening doors to a brighter future. J.’s hard work and resilience have not only allowed her to achieve her immediate goals but have also positioned her on a path of continued success. As she embarks on her college journey, J.’s success serves as a testament to the life-changing impact of support, resilience, and the opportunities provided by the Hillcrest Platte County – Young Adult Housing Program.

A Journey of Transformation, Hope, and Renewed Relationships

Sometimes, all it takes is the right environment and support to turn lives around.

Joey and Justin’s story is a testament to the power of second chances, and the transformative impact of the HPC 90-day program and Next Steps to Success. From battling addiction to celebrating milestones like marriage, sobriety, and personal growth, their journey exemplifies the incredible potential for positive change.

The Path to Hillcrest

Joey and Justin found themselves at a crossroads. Their desire for a clean and sober living environment marked the first steps toward rebuilding their lives. Recognizing their need for a fresh start, they embraced the support and resources that Hillcrest offered, setting the stage for their journey of transformation.

Graduating to Success

As they progressed through the program, Joey and Justin’s commitment to bettering themselves shone brightly. Their dedication paid off, leading them to graduate and transition to the Next Steps to Success.

However, Joey and Justin’s journey didn’t stop at graduation – it was just the beginning. Both of them took the chance to secure better employment and Joey was promoted to a team lead position. Amidst their personal and professional successes, Joey and Justin celebrated a significant milestone – their first year of marriage. This achievement symbolized their commitment not only to each other but also to their journey of recovery.

A Journey of Sobriety

One of the most remarkable aspects of Joey and Justin’s journey is their unwavering commitment to sobriety. Over the course of 1 year and 8 months, they maintained a clean and sober lifestyle. Their triumph over addiction stands as a beacon of hope for those facing similar challenges.

The journey to recovery often involves more than just personal growth – it can also entail rebuilding relationships that may have been strained or broken due to addiction. Joey and Justin’s commitment to sobriety has allowed them to mend bridges with their parents and children.

A Future Filled with Promise

As Joey and Justin look ahead, they do so with hope. The obstacles they’ve overcome, the personal growth they’ve achieved, and the bonds they’ve mended have paved the way for a bright and promising future. Justin’s resolution of legal issues and his newfound ability to obtain a driver’s license are just a few examples of the fresh opportunities that lie ahead.

There’s no doubt that Joey and Justin’s future will be filled with even more accomplishments, milestones, and the promise of continued growth.

I am Thankful and Grateful

The following letter was written around Thanksgiving by a former program participant. Another wonderful example of how your donations make a difference in the lives of those in our community. As I started thinking of things that I am truly thankful for, as I do most days, I realized that for thanksgiving I want to […]