Often, when youth come to Anchor House, they have been so busy trying to survive their situations, they have had no time to dream or have goals for their future. At Anchor House, we not only encourage them to dream big but give them the tools to help them achieve their goals.
We wanted to share a story about one of the young adults in our Anchor Line Apartment Program who we will call DJ to protect his privacy. Since DJ has been a resident at Anchor Line, his Case Manager helped him to obtain his driver’s license, and he started working in the culinary field, now offering his skills as a caterer to organizations in the community. Through support from Anchor House, he also was able to secure culinary certifications to help further his career in this field.
DJ’s future goal is to have his own culinary business. Recently, one of Anchor House’s donors arranged for an opportunity for DJ to shadow a chef, tour his kitchen and cook alongside him, returning to Anchor Line with new recipes to make. His Case Manager works with him on developing life skills he will need to reach his goals including securing permanent housing and owning a business. Recently, he was able to achieve one of his goals and purchased a car with money he saved to get to and from work and school.
Like many of the youth and young adults in our programs, DJ has benefited from our community partners. He is part of the Bridges to Employing Youth Program through Mercer County Community College and Dress for Success helped him to develop his resume.
With the support from Anchor House and community partners along with DJ’s determination, we believe he will reach his goal and one day own his own culinary business.
Stories like DJ and others are why we need your support now than ever, to make sure we can help them achieve their dreams and goals.
Visit our Donate page to join our Anchor House Monthly Giving Program or make a one-time gift.
