Meet Shayla

Two years ago, Shayla was going through a dark period, experiencing homelessness while facing a lot of other personal struggles. She needed some support as she worked to get her life back to where she wanted it to be. That’s when Shayla found Outreach. “[Outreach has] a lot of benefits, and there's a lot of people that really care about you,” she said. “They really give all of themselves just to see people grow.” 

Soon after she sought assistance, an Outreach staff member helped Shayla secure a job as a home health aide. This new position gave her something steady to hold onto while she rebuilt other parts of her life. What stood out most in those early months was how consistently people were there for her, giving her strength and making it easier to focus on longer-term goals.

One experience in particular stays with Shayla. Though she technically graduated a year earlier, she didn’t get the chance to walk in a ceremony until recently. Outreach staff and volunteers came and celebrated alongside her. “I felt so much love. Everybody was there congratulating me and giving me hugs,” she said. “It has encouraged me to keep on doing good and just keep going.” 

Today, through her work as a home health aide, Shayla now has the opportunity to walk alongside others while continuing to grow herself. Outreach remains a steady presence in her life, offering both practical guidance and a sense of belonging. And that’s what Outreach does best for young people who are navigating difficult circumstances. Showing up matters. It can transform a life.