Meet Colby | Youth Spotlight
There’s nothing wrong with asking for help. But sometimes, we don’t know how to ask. Or what to ask for.
Meet Colby—a homeless youth whose circumstances turned around when Youth Emergency Services (YES) connected him with the resources he needed.
Colby was couch-surfing with friends when he turned to Project Everlast, a YES partner that connects youth in need with resources on housing, transportation, education, and more. It was there he learned about YES’ Emergency Shelter. Our shelter offers a family-style residence with separate bedrooms for all residents, in addition to connecting youth with the support and resources they need. On his first day with YES, our staff signed up Colby for assistance programs like EBT and connected him with a case manager to navigate personal challenges and set and achieve goals during his time at the shelter.
“I didn’t know I could get help,” Colby said. “I already had a plan when I got [t]here; I just needed some guidance.”
For weeks, Colby kept his head down, attended group sessions—a cornerstone of the Emergency Shelter program—met with his case manager, and planned for the future. Two months into his stay with YES, Colby received two pieces of good news. 1) He had secured a job in Blair, Nebraska. 2) He had been accepted into Dana Village, an apartment community that offers affordable and safe homes to residents in need. Now, Colby’s looking forward to living independently, saving money, and, most importantly, having a place to call home.
By going to YES and receiving help he wasn’t sure how to ask for, Colby is equipped with the resources necessary to stand on two feet. Now, he asks fellow youth facing homelessness for just one thing.
“If you have nowhere to go, go to YES. If you want to go to a shelter, go to their Emergency Shelter.”
Colby’s is just one of the many stories that showcase how far a little bit of help can take us—a feat that has been instrumental in YES’ 50-year history. Continue to follow along as, each week, we share a new experience from those who support and those supported by YES.