In July, two clients of the RISE program were selected as members of the National Runaway Safe Line (NRS) NRS Youth Advisory Board at NRS’ offices in Chicago. Our young clients spent two days meeting with federal officials, discussing strategic priorities for NRS’ efforts to ensure greater awareness of and access to their 24/7 crisis services, and participated in a meeting with NRS’ Board of Directors.
These two clients, who once were living in a van with their toddler son, now have a home gainful employment, and the support of their RISE Case Manager to graduate from our program empowered to successfully live independently. They have chosen to already start sharing their stories and experiences to add to the national discussion about youth homelessness.