Tamia Moves Out!
Tamia has moved out of Louis Nine House (LNH), NCS’s supportive housing program for young adults, and into her own apartment!
Donna Celebrates Five Years at Old Navy!
Everyone at the NCS Residence and Options is so excited that five years later Donna is not only still working at Old Navy but has received multiple promotions and rewards for her hard work and dedication!
Bre is Home
During the height of the pandemic, Bre worked tirelessly as a nursing assistant. She witnessed firsthand the overwhelming demands placed on nurses and healthcare professionals and the critical need for quality healthcare. Despite the challenges and burnout, Bre wished she could do more—and knew it would require going back to school to become a nurse. In 2022, she embarked on this journey by enrolling at LaGuardia Community College.
Joan Found Community at NCS
These days, you’ll find Joan at almost every event on the NCS Residence calendar.
She’s friendly, loves to smile, and enjoys bonding with many of the other residents at NCS’s Upper East Side supportive housing program.
Milagro Finds Hope at NCS
Milagro has lived at the NCS Residence for more than 30 years. And she has been an NCS donor for more than 25 of those years!
M Becomes a Scholar
In 2019, a survey conducted by the Hope Center for College, Community, and Justice found that 14% of City University of New York (CUNY) students experience homelessness. That is, approximately 34,000 CUNY students are actively working toward earning their degrees without access to stable housing.
M is one of those students. But in October 2022 he was one of the first Medgar Evers College students to move into NCS Scholars.
From Trauma to Triumph: Tina's Transformation
Tina had a difficult childhood. When she was four years old, her mother passed away, and Tina spent the next decade moving between foster care placements—never feeling like she fully belonged anywhere or was part of a stable family. But Tina knew the way forward included college. So she worked hard, graduated from high school, and when she started college she hoped to find a group of friends that could become her chosen family. Unfortunately, the friends Tina made in college used drugs... and then so did Tina.
TiAsia in Harper's Bazaar
TiAsia, a Louis Nine House resident and Options client, had her design featured in Harper’s Bazaar’s piece on Custom Collaborative!
Isabella in the News
“I intend to become a nurse and I know this possibility from just being able to have my own space is gonna make me persevere and get that goal. Attain it. And achieve it. With no doubt in my mind.”
Isabella
Medgar Evers College student and NCS Scholars resident
TiAsia in Vogue
Last week, Louis Nine House resident TiAsia was featured in Vogue for her work as part of Custom Collaborative, a 14-week intensive design program that teaches low-income and immigrant women about fashion design, the fashion industry, and sustainability!
Odalys hits the books
“NCS Scholars is giving me space,” Odalys shared. “I’ve never had that. I’m able to focus on my school work and follow my dreams. I am excited for this next chapter."
TiAsia Reconnects with her Passion
TiAsia spends her days honing her design craft and making plans for a career in the fashion industry. But connecting with this passion wasn’t always easy.
Helen Looks After Her Neighbors
Tenants at the NCS Residence often call Helen the mother of the building because of the care she shows her neighbors. Helen frequently checks in on others, takes a leading role at the monthly tenant meetings, and tries to make sure everyone feels special.
How BC Came Home
Three years ago, BC lived in a homeless shelter and struggled with substance abuse. She’d had a challenging path to recovery until she started attending meetings at Chance for Chance, NCS’s outpatient substance use treatment program.
Neighbors Helping Teila
Teila’s childhood was not easy. From a young age, she suffered from abandonment and abuse. She stayed with various family members but by the time she was 15, she was on her own and living in youth shelters, trying not to give up hope. But her life began to turn around when she moved into Louis Nine House at age 22.
"NCS Saved My Life"
For 40 years, NCS’s staff has worked hard to ensure our clients are safe and healthy. We provide our residents with a home, healthy meals, and substance use disorder counseling— and case management to make sure residents take care of their mental and physical health. For one resident, in particular, this work had an especially big impact.
Lakia: From Shelter Resident to Business Owner
Before Lakia moved into Louis Nine House in 2021, they had lived in four different homeless shelters over the course of three years. They had loved art and being creative since childhood but didn't have the outlet to follow their passion.
Donna: Hard Work + Housing + Support = Success
“NCS gave me a chance and enabled me to live independently for the first time in a long time,” shared Donna. “I used to live in a shelter, and I know that my life wouldn’t be improving the way it is if I hadn’t received much needed support from Stephanie at Chance for Change and moved into the NCS Residence. I wouldn’t be where I am now. They helped me to become employable and helped me to gain the confidence I need to move forward in my life. My next goal is to move into my own apartment in Queens to be closer to my son and grandkids and make space at the NCS Residence for someone else who needs it. I am very blessed that life brought me here”
-Donna
Muray Designs Her Future
Muray, an NCS client, has dreamed of becoming a professional fashion designer for a long time. When NCS’s vocational staff connected her with the Bombas Mentorship Program, she got “feet-on” industry experience like she never had before.
Ronald: Coping Mechanisms During Another COVID Wave
Ronald, one of the 65 tenants at the NCS Residence, is known for his smile, upbeat personality, and love of connecting with others. Prior to the pandemic, he was always one of the first to arrive for social events at the Residence. However, while Ron thrives on community, he also quickly recognized the importance of social distancing and putting his health first. During the recent COVID surge, Ron has been challenged to balance his need to stay safe with his need for a social outlet.