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.

After decades of using, losing apartments, couch surfing, living on the streets, and ongoing trauma, in 2021, Tina began to turn her life around. She realized she couldn't remain in this cycle, so she moved into Lenox Hill Neighborhood House's Women's Mental Health Shelter (WMHS), located at the Park Avenue Armory.

Fortunately for Tina and many other women, NCS has a strong partnership with WMHS. The staff at the shelter often refer the women there to Chance for Change (CFC), NCS's outpatient substance-use treatment program, which is uniquely designed to serve individuals who are homeless and battling addiction, often combined with mental illness.

For the 80 unhoused women living at WMHS, approximately 80% of whom suffer from a substance use disorder, the partnership ensures coordinated treatment is available when they are ready.

It is a partnership that works for WMHS, CFC, and—most important—for clients like Tina.

Tina moved into WMHS in August 2021, and began attending Chance for Change that September, participating in group sessions and individual counseling and receiving mental health support from the psychiatric nurse practitioner. Her effort is paying off, and Tina has been substance-free for 11 months!

"Chance for Change made me realize that you can live a good life if you get the mental health help you need," Tina said. "Using drugs doesn't take away the pain in your life, it's still there. The drugs just bring more problems. You need to talk about them with someone who can help."

While attending daily Chance for Change groups, Tina met Elizabeth McGuire, Program Manager at Options, NCS’s vocational, education, and employment program. After learning more about Tina’s background and her goals, Elizabeth connected her to Project Renewal's Next Steps Internship Program (NSIP), which provides on-the-job training for unemployed New Yorkers interested in homeless services work. After intensive vocational and life skills classes, Tina completed a rigorous six-week paid internship at The Jericho Project, where she learned various skills as a Residential Aide, Front Desk Attendant, and Housing Assistant.

Having a job for the first time in years helped Tina gain confidence in herself and know she was ready to apply for subsidized, independent housing. This January, she moved into her own apartment where she is proud to pay rent for the first time in her life. With her internship completed, Tina is working with Elizabeth to find her next job.

“Tina is resilient and a real go-getter,” Elizabeth shared. “I have seen her determined, positive, and ready for her next steps. I will never forget the day she called me from her new apartment with joy in her voice. She was finally home."

"I am so thankful that there's life after messing up,” said Tina. “Homelessness is no joke, and I am grateful to everyone at WMHS, NCS, and Project Renewal for helping me get to where I am now."

Tina's story highlights the power of community and the increased impact that is possible when service organizations work together. Clients like Tina can overcome obstacles and achieve their goals with the right resources and support. We are proud to continue to be a part of Tina's journey.