"Brie"
After her parents divorced and she moved from Salt Lake City to Omaha, Brie, 19, struggled in school and got into trouble often. Her relationship with her mother slowly deteriorated.
"After the fights I would feel sad and guilty," says Brie. "I know my mom just wants what is best for me."
Eventually, Brie's mother brought her to the YES shelter. Brie wasn't happy about this at first.
"When I first came to YES, I was terrified," says Brie.
But she didn't have many other options, so she stuck it out. She stayed in the shelter for 21 days, and decided it was time to turn her life around. Brie was accepted into YES' Transitional Living Program in Spring 2011, and has reached several milestones since her acceptance.
She lists her accomplishments as buying a car, graduating from high school, starting classes at Metro, continuing to work and save money, making new friends, and most importantly, mending her relationship with her mother.
Reuniting clients with family and other supportive figures is one of the early goals of YES' programs and staff. Brie is glad she and her mother are getting along better now.
Brie has spoken to several community groups on behalf of YES and is always willing and excited to help in whatever way she can.
"If I didn't come here, I'd be on the streets," says Brie. "I came here and my life is better than it's ever been. It's changed so much in my life."
