Shay’s Story: A Journey of Resilience and Empowerment

In 2024, we had the incredible opportunity to support Shay, a driven and resilient young woman whose journey has been nothing short of inspiring. Before arriving at Severson Transitional Living Program (TLP), Shay navigated various shelters and foster homes while growing up in Seattle. Despite facing numerous challenges, her determination remained unshaken. 

From the moment Shay entered the program, Shay was ready to succeed, undeterred by the traumas of her past. She immediately took on two jobs while attending beauty college to pursue her dream of becoming an aesthetician. However, the odds continued to stack against her. As she started her new job, Shay encountered unimaginable challenges, including inappropriate gestures and advances from supervisors. 

With the support of counseling services and legal assistance, Shay took proactive steps to address these issues. She was determined to ensure that no other woman would have to endure the same experiences at her workplace. Armed with knowledge of her rights, Shay bravely advocated for herself and reported the incidents through the proper channels. 

Throughout these challenges, Shay remained dedicated to her goals, showing up for herself even when life felt overwhelming. She channeled her lived experiences into motivation – focusing on her studies, maintaining her jobs, attending therapy, and keeping every case management appointment. Her hard work and perseverance paid off: within just seven months, Shay received a permanent housing voucher and moved into her own apartment. The program supported her transition with essential household items and aftercare assistance. 

Today, Shay is thriving in her final year of college and has secured a new job that values her contributions and aligns with her passions. Her story exemplifies the true meaning of resilience and the power of self-advocacy – one step at a time. 

Shay expresses immense gratitude to her case managers, counselors, and the financial support she received from the program. As she put it,

“Man, y’all really believed in my dreams, which often felt too far away to reach, but you helped me make my dreams my reality.” 

Shay’s journey is a powerful reminder that with determination and self-advocacy, combined with meaningful support, it is possible to overcome adversity and create a brighter future.