Lydia*, a young woman suffering from extensive trauma, was receiving intensive therapy at Nexus-Woodbourne. During her stay, she expressed a passion for cooking. Staff recognized that passion and used it to build her confidence and her independence. They helped her obtain her food safety licensure and training. They taught her to manage the food expense budget for the program. And, every Friday, she prepared a special dinner for her unit.
Building Skills and Experience
Lydia was very proud that she was able to obtain the real-life skills she desired for independence. She even worked on creating a business plan for a food truck. After graduating from Nexus-Woodbourne, she enrolled in a Job Corps program that would help her continue down the path to reaching her goals.
Supporting youth in developing these key life skills, in addition to providing critical intensive therapeutic treatment, help our youth to continue to thrive after leaving Nexus-Woodbourne.
*Name and some details have been changed to protect privacy.
