It was a big month for clients working to improve their lives with 103 life changes for the month (unduplicated). And 111 additional goals set for change! Wow! 

Self-care leads the list of goals set this month. That reflects our clients' understanding of how hard it can be to get jobs, housing, improve health and well-being without first having enough energy and enough "fuel" in your bucket. Every client is subject to almost unimaginable stress and trauma on a daily basis. So, you have to figure out what fills you up your bucket with energy and positivity because the world is poking holes in your bucket and it's also leaking out all the time. 27 clients set specific goals for self-care and that's unduplicated. Many set several self-care goals.

Most clients look for employment prior to trying to find housing. This may not work for everyone, but it's a tried and true recipe for young adults who experience homelessness. And as supported housing has become more challenging to get and more crowded again, it's a sure-fire way to work and save your way to making your own housing happen! 15 clients set employment goals this month (and that doesn't include the 15 who accomplished it. Entry level employment is still relatively easy to attain. It's important to have done enough self-care for yourself that you can keep the job. And it's important to line up your ID first.

Next on the list is housing. That's not surprising. Supported housing has been hard to get lately. Many of our clients are changing strategy and moving to a work / save / get my own housing strategy. On the other hand, temporary housing has been awarded at shelter and other transitional programs lately. It is hard, but it's definitely still happening. We recommend attempting both strategies. Apply for housing but start working and save at the same time.

There are lots of other goals that clients set. We don't have a program that says do A, B, and C and it will be all better. Every client sets their own goals. We're constantly asking, "What are you working on next?" And if you say "I don't, know" we'll likely follow-up with you to help you think through some options and figure out what you want to do. It can be hard to get moving. Borrow faith, hope, and confidence from us if you need to. We believe in you! Some work on faith. Some work on sobriety. Some work on benefits and education. Some work on relationships. Sometimes you really need to start with improving self-care! It's really about what is going to work best for you next. We believe in each of you!