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“Heather” – Developing Independence in Lansing

“Heather” – Developing Independence in Lansing

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When Heather was referred to the Right Turn Career-Focused Transition Program at Peckham Inc in Lansing, MI in November 2016, she was on juvenile probation for assault and battery. Though Heather initially resided with her mother, aunt, and cousins, the family received an eviction notice just as Heather came to the program and was evicted once again from a home at the end of March 2017. Heather’s family continuously struggled with addiction, numerous evictions, and other hardships which essentially forced Helen to take care of herself at a young age. She was homeless and budgeting her money to save up for a vehicle and apartment.

When Heather began working with the Right Turn program, she worked with her Right Turn Case Manager to create an Individualized Career Development Plan and set goals for herself such as finding employment, becoming independent, and continuing to do well in high school. Heather got a job at McDonalds which she has maintained for over 6 months.  She recently shared that she was interested in becoming a manager at McDonalds and successfully completed a Customer Service certification program to help her excel in her job. Heather and her Case Manager also began researching emancipation because Heather wanted to live on her own but she did not know how to begin the process. Through the Right Turn program, Heather has received many supportive services to gain her independence including getting her birth certificate, getting her State ID, and filing for emancipation. Right Turn also provided Heather with the opportunity to go through the first segment of Driver’s Education, which she completed and earned her Driver’s Permit.

Due to her steady employment and other positive steps, Heather has been released from probation and has been making prosocial decisions.  Her emancipation hearing was held on May 17, 2017 and due to her steady work and housing, she was successfully emancipated.  Heather has achieved so much during her time at Right Turn – employment, driver’s license, completing probation, and achieving emancipation. Heather’s future ICDP goals include graduating from high school, pursuing a career in cosmetology, and/or working in sales. All of the challenges and obstacles that Heather has overcome have shaped her into the strong and independent young woman she is today. She is not afraid to ask for help if she needs it, is a wonderful advocate for herself, and is driven to do great things in the future. It has been a pleasure working with Heather in the Right Turn program – her Case Manager and the other Right Turn staff can’t wait to see what she does next.

For more information on Peckham, Inc., click here.