For former foster youth like Kendall, transitioning to independent adulthood is often filled with challenges, especially when it comes to securing stable housing. As a single mother of two young children, Kendall struggled to make ends meet in a small, overcrowded apartment. Her children shared a small bedroom, and she constantly worried about whether she could afford her increasing rent.
Kendall reached out to All Youth Count, a program of Easterseals NH that aims to address gaps in service for youth and young adults who are in or have exited the state’s foster care system. Its primary focus is to empower individuals by connecting them with safe, affordable housing, meaningful employment, and other opportunities to build a successful future.
The program provided Kendall with essential emergency financial assistance to cover her rent multiple times, keeping her family safely housed. This gave Kendall the stability she needed to focus on her long-term goals. But her living situation was still not ideal. The apartment was too small for her growing family, and Kendall longed for a better environment. All Youth Count helped her secure a new, larger apartment with two bedrooms, even covering the security deposit and first month’s rent payments and hiring a moving company to assist Kendall with the transition.
When Kendall and her children moved into their new apartment, it felt like a fresh start. The children had their own rooms, and Kendall finally had the peace of mind she had longed for. All Youth Count’s support was transformative, allowing Kendall and her family to break free from a cycle of instability and build a promising future. Kendall can now focus on providing for her children without the constant stress of housing insecurity.
