Youth On Their Own has been one of the few constants in Jamie’s life. Even as a little girl, Jamie was beaten by her mother, often showing up at school with bruises. After school officials notified DCS, Jamie and her sisters were removed from the home but were unable to be placed together. Jamie ended up in a group home.
After more than a year in the group home, an aunt and uncle agreed to take Jamie in, but realized after only a few months that they didn’t have enough money to support Jamie and sent her back. Jamie blamed herself for the failed arrangement. When Jamie turned 18, she opted out of DCS care. She is now living with a friend’s family and is working towards graduating this year.
She says she feels like giving up a lot of the time, but feels better after her monthly visits to YOTO. The stipend she receives reminds her that people are pulling for her, and it motivates her to keep trying. She plans to enter the U.S. Navy after graduation.
