Tia's Turn Around

At just 18, Tia* felt completely lost and overwhelmed.

When her family broke down, she had to leave home suddenly, with nowhere stable to go. Nights spent couch-surfing, skipping meals, and battling anxiety made it nearly impossible to keep up with school.

She wanted to do well - she loved learning - but no matter how hard she tried, she just couldn’t seem to move forward.

That’s when she met Casey*, one of our youth workers. Casey became the steady support Tia desperately needed. She helped her access financial assistance, set up a budget, and ensure she had essentials like food and transport. But more than that, Casey truly listened. She saw how much Tia was struggling at school and encouraged her to seek further help which led to a learning assessment.

Through this process, Tia was diagnosed with a learning disability - something that had gone undetected for years. With this new understanding, she was finally able to access the right support, including learning strategies tailored to her needs. 

With Casey’s guidance, Tia advocated for herself at school. Her teachers adjusted their approach, giving her the tools to succeed. For the first time, she wasn’t just struggling to keep up - she was making real progress. “It’s amazing what happens when people understand what you need,” she says.

Today, Tia is thriving. She’s excelling in her assignments, has built some close friendships, and feels hopeful about her future. “Support is there to help you reach your goals,” she shares. “You’re not alone on this journey and never give up on yourself.” Go Tia! 

* Names have been changed to protect people's privacy.