Some Personal Stories of Changing Lives

In the next few posts, we would like to share with you some personal stories from youth here at HOME that will illuminate the struggles that youth in Salem are facing and what HOME and partner organizations are doing to engage with these youth and get them the information, connections, and assistance they need.

First off, we had a 16 year old in need of an Oregon ID card in order to obtain a job. This young man was hesitant to let us know that his family was living in poverty. The sixteen year old wished to begin finding employment to aid his family while continuing to work on his education. Due to our limited funds we asked the youth to attempt to take the less expensive permit test instead of get his Oregon ID because it would reduce our cost by almost half. The youth tried his best, but due to a learning disability he was unable to apply for the permit. “I tried so hard, but just couldn’t do it”, he said when back at the office. “I don’t know where else to go or what to do. My family is too poor to help me get my ID on our own”. As all of the information and multiple barriers came to light our staff decided to fund his Oregon ID card, which he received. 

This story shows the increasing need for preventative measures for youth and families. Every week we hear stories like this one in which local families are struggling. Preventative services can, and do, aid in reducing barriers that can cause family stress, financial strain, and potential run responses.  In Marion County, and across the nation, family conflict is cited as the number one reason for a youth to leave home.  We have found that some older youth are asked to leave home – even if they have nowhere to go - because parents cannot afford to provide for them. ID cards are required in Oregon to get a job, complete a GED, and are a legal requirement after the age of 18. The funds to help these youth are very limited but IDs can mean the difference between a child staying at home or being asked to leave.

 Stories like this one, we hope, are able to show what HOME and other organizations in Salem are doing to assist the youth in our community. Without the financial and emotional support of the Salem community, organizations like HOME and others we work with would not survive. For that we thank you! Check back again soon for some more stories from the Blog Book!