Ted Mends Broken Relationships

“Ted” ran away from his home in Detroit when he was 18. He said that his father was abusive and controlling, and that his mother would not speak up for him. Fortunately, Ted made friends with a boy in Omaha who was familiar with the YES Street Outreach Program.

Street Outreach workers directed Ted to a near-by homeless shelter and made sure that the shelter would take Ted, although he was only 18. He stayed nights in this shelter for several months while he searched for a job. He found temporary employment, but without a home address or phone, he was unable to keep a regular job. Sometimes he stayed with young people that he met in the Old Market. Eventually he made a friend who invited him to move in with her. With a stable home, he was able to land a permanent job.

During this time, Street Outreach workers seldom saw Ted, except for occasions when a pay period stretched beyond his food supply. He would drop in to take advantage of the emergency food pantry. Between jobs, he would visit Street Outreach to hunt through job referrals.

For the past year, Ted has worked to renew and maintain his relationship with his parents. Two months ago, his father offered to help Ted get a job in the plant where he works. Ted recently returned to Detroit and to his family.