Stories of resilience and success from the Learning Web
Youth Exploration Program
Participant Morgan expressed an interest in mechanical repair. His program coordinator was able to set him up in an apprenticeship at Groton Small Engine Repair. Throughout his apprenticeship, Morgan learned not just about the field of small engine repair, but also developed basic job skills and an excellent relationship with his mentor, Chris. Morgan has continued on his educational and career journey, applying skills he learned in his apprenticeship to his Heavy Equipment classwork at TST BOCES. Morgan tells us that his time working with Chris at Groton Small Engine Repair has givenhim a leg up in his classes. He says “We are currently rolling into our small engine unit in HeavyEquipment, and the teacher has assigned me to inspect all of the units prior to using them in class.I’ve also had quite a few kids in my class request to partner with me for the project because of myskills.” The Youth Exploration Program provided Morgan with the chance to explore his interests, build his skills, and work towards his future goals.
Life Skills and Supporting Strong Families
In 2024, the Life Skills and Supporting Strong Families (SSF) programs worked collaboratively to achieve shared goals and make a lasting impact on the lives of youth. By focusing on developing essential life skills, both programs have empowered young individuals to navigate challenges, build resilience, and prepare for the future. Because of the support of Learning Web staff, many youth have secured stable housing, increased job readiness, connected with the community and its resources, and improved their driving skills. Renewed funding for SSF has made it possible to expand program offerings to young families. SSF has increased capacity to serve more families, particularly through collaboration with local agencies Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) and the Advocacy Center. In the fall, the Learning Web and CCE started a playgroup initiative specifically designed for young parents, providing a supportive space where young parents can engage with their children while gaining valuable parenting skills and building connections with peers. This collaboration between our Life Skills and SSF programs has resulted in many inspiring success stories of dedicated participants including the one that follows:
At the beginning of 2024, K faced significant challenges, including a legal battle to gain custody of their daughter, finding stable employment, and the pressures of raising another child with their partner. Despite these obstacles, they worked tirelessly and showed unwavering commitment to improving their situation for the sake of their family. K has made remarkable progress. They have secured a reliable job, rented a new home, gained joint custody of their daughter, and welcomed a beautiful new baby girl into their family. They have achieved financial stability, meeting their family's needs with minimal outside support and even purchased a car. K has also acknowledged their mental health challenges and has taken proactive steps to improve their well-being for the benefit of their family. They consistently prioritize their children, creating a loving, supportive, and healthy environment to raise them in. Their journey is a testament to perseverance, hard work, and the power of self-improvement.
Youth Outreach
The Youth Outreach Department experienced significant growth in 2024 thanks to new funding opportunities and the agency’s good fortune to hire and retain a highly dedicated and extremely effective case management staff. Looking forward to 2025, the Youth Outreach Department has been awarded federal funds via HUD’s Youth Homeless Demonstration Project (YHDP) to begin a Rapid Rehousing Program which will give the department the funding flexibility to help stabilize housing for youth who are housed but require assistance to remain so. Youth Outreach has helped many youth progress successfully on the path to adulthood and independence.
Miguel, a 19-year-old male now housed in our Transitional Housing Program (TLP), fleeing domestic violence with his mother and siblings, arrived in Ithaca in June and was housed at our local shelter. After hearing about The Learning Web from a case manager at the shelter, Miguel reached out for help with housing and employment. He entered our TLP at the end of July. Since then, he has been accepted to college while working full-time at Cornell.
He says: “I could not have done it without The Learning Web’s support. They helped me get on my feet and help me stay motivated.”
One of our Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) participants shared:
“My story is ever evolving and may sound familiar to some. Before entering the PSH program, a lot of things were uncertain: the basics like food and a place to stay. Since entering the program and with a feeling of security, I’ve got a job I’m really proud of, and if I run out of necessities, I can get it from The Learning Web. It’s awesome.”
