Celebrating our graduates continues at Anchor House! We want to congratulate Myasia on graduating with her associate’s degree in Criminal Law from Mercer County Community College. Myasia has been part of our Connect to Home program, one of our Safe Housing initiatives for youth 18 and over, since 2018. Myasia is now seeking a job in this field and plans on pursuing her bachelor’s degree in the future. One day, she would like to be a police officer.
Anchor House has been with Myasia every step of the way on her journey toward her degree. “Any time I needed help with math and schoolwork, I could go to them, if I needed a tutor and supplies.” Myasia went on to explain how Anchor House provided her with a laptop for school as well as a printer, paper, and ink, “everything I needed to succeed, they gave it to me.”
Myasia credits Anchor House and staff, past and present, for getting her where she is today. “Anchor House has been such a support system for me,” explained Myasia. “They have done everything to help me.”
“I honestly would not have gotten this far without Anchor House,” Myasia said.
She mentioned all the ways that Anchor House has helped her, including assistance with furniture, housing, food, and other essential resources. Reflecting on the support she has received, Myasia shared, “Anything I need, I can go to them about.” Myasia also shared how Anchor House staff worked together to make sure she received the support she needed. If one staff member was unable to help with something, they made sure to connect her with someone who could, working collaboratively across the organization to help her.
Before Connect to Home, Myasia explained, “I didn’t know anything about affordable housing.” Her Connect to Home Case Manager helped her navigate the process of securing affordable housing by assisting with the application and guiding her through the process until she received approval.
Many of the participants in our Connect to Home program are parenting youth, like Myasia, who is raising four children. Through Anchor House, Myasia was able to find an apartment with amenities onsite her children enjoy like a pool and playground in a great community with excellent schools.
Anchor House is also very grateful for Myasia, as she has been a wonderful spokesperson for our agency. This includes her being a featured speaker at Dress for Success Central New Jersey’s Empowerment Breakfast last year during the event’s fireside chat. She also represented Anchor House at the 2024 conference, “Achieving Success: Partnering with Transitional-Age Young Adults for Strong Housing Solutions,” traveling to Miami to share her perspective and insights with professionals from organizations similar to Anchor House from across the country, as well as with young people with lived experience in the child welfare system. “When Anchor House reaches out, when Miss Kim [Executive Director Kim McNear] calls me, I am there,” Myasia shared.
Myasia explained that she participates in every group, outing, and activity she can, including memorable experiences like horseback riding. She shared how much she enjoys attending the gatherings and events Anchor House offers throughout the year, especially during the holiday season. “Anchor House is a family,” Myasia explained.
When asked if there was anything else she wanted to share during the interview, Myasia exclaimed, “Yes.” She then went on to say, “It is very important to show my appreciation and love for the people at Anchor House. I appreciate EVERY last one of them.”
Congratulations, Myasia! We appreciate you too.
