Cassidy

Before I lived in the RAFA Transitional Housing Placement Program, I was living in a foster home in Oakland. It was an interesting experience, but I soon realized that it lacked the support I needed to achieve a successful emancipation into adulthood. I first found out about the RAFA program in the summer of 2004. I was amazed to find out that there was such a great program available to teens that were in a similar situation as I. RAFA staff provided great support with my educational and career goals as well as with normal everyday independent living skills. When I was quite new to the RAFA program, I thought I was able to do everything independently, but then realized that I needed some additional assistance. Fortunately, I had a vast support network consisting of RAFA staff and participants, as well as other outside resources. This was crucial for me during the first few months of being in the program. Eventually, it gave me the confidence and independence conducive to achieving my own personalized goals for the present and future. After receiving my high school diploma, I emancipated from RAFA and got accepted into the Transitional Housing Program at First Place Fund for Youth which is my current residence. I am currently working as an Administrative Assistant in the East Bay and working towards my A.A. in Business Administration. RAFA is a great program which enables its participants to develop character, establish connections, and build up one’s responsibility with the freedom of living on your own with a staff support system.