Ash Finds Home, Finds Their Dream Job

Ash loves people and loves coffee! That’s why they pursued and landed their dream job at Wild Flyer Coffee, a hip and cozy coffee shop that serves up hospitality and a menu of delectable coffee drinks. Wild Flyer coffee is also committed to the mission to end youth homelessness. 

Ash found out about their job opportunity through a caseworker at a youth drop-in center operated by a Bridging agency partner organization providing resources and support for youth experiencing homelessness. 

“[The youth drop-in center] was a safe place for me to sink in and relax. My caseworkers were amazing. They helped me change my life around. They gave me housing, access to Bridging, and access to employment.” 

SHOPPING AT BRIDGING 

“This was my first time with Bridging. I have bad anxiety and I’m not a morning person. The person at the front desk — she was attentive and patient. She looked me in the eyes.  She was genuinely concerned and explained how Bridging works. She told me I was in good hands. My anxiety literally melted away. I felt safe here. I didn’t have to worry about anything.” 

Two volunteers accompanied Ash on a dignity-filled shopping trip at Bridging.  

“Pam and Delores — they are two generous and kind women. You could see it in their faces. They gave me a run-down of what it would be like in the warehouse, how it’s set up, and how I could select what I want. I loved them both. They hadn’t been in my space, but they helped me logistically, thinking how I could accessorize and how each household item could be used every day.” 

“I have a small space. I wanted a couch and a couple of chairs. Me and Delores gravitated toward this green chair. It was fuzzy and comfortable. You literally sink down when you sit down. I have it in my living room. It’s so great.

Pam found me this beautiful put-together black leather couch. She sat down on the couch. I sat down on the other end. I love it and use it every day. The material is soft and sturdy. 

I also talked to Harry, a warehouse supervisor, about a table that needed to be replaced. He was sweet and super kind. Everything and everyone at Bridging was so personal, meeting me at such a human level. 

I immediately fell in love with a blue ottoman that matches my chair with little blue squares. The ottoman opens, and I put stuff in it! When I get home from work, I throw down my bag, hang up my keys, and put my feet up. It feels so relaxing. I also feel very grateful because I know where it came from, that it was donated to Bridging.” 

COMFORT AND CONNECTION IN A FURNISHED HOME 

Ash appreciates household items that provide utility and comfort in their daily routine and for meaningful gatherings. 

“The kitchen section at Bridging was huge. I was telling them what I like to cook. They gave me a lot of ideas. I was overjoyed. I got a pot because I love to make soup. I got muffin pans and a cake pan. I love to make dinners and desserts for my friends. 

My kitchen is my home within a home. Whenever my friends come over, I take pride to know my kitchen is clean and ready for guests. I serve up healthy meals, and I have access to the tools I need to make my food.

This weekend, my friends came over. We didn’t have enough with our money pooled together, so I busted out my new pot, silverware, and glasses from Bridging. I made mashed potatoes, salmon, and asparagus and put everything on the white plates I got from Bridging. I put the mashed potatoes in the bowls. One of my friends asked me where I got the bowls. I had four bowls, and I gave her two. 

It was a wonderful experience to serve my friends. For us to be together and have a good time, to know I am doing this, because I could access all of the kitchen items and furniture. It was a heartfelt and endearing moment that I was blessed to be present in.”

“I’m more in love with my space now that I have furniture. I’m grateful for having a place that gives me comfort. Here, I’m building a new foundation for my future.”

ACCESS EQUALS CHANGE 

Ash approaches the here-and-now and possibilities for the future with intention and positivity. They think about growing as a person and elevating their voice as an advocate and mentor for other youth in the community. With their passion for poetry, Ash is excited to help other youth discover their voice and ambition in a creative writing class they facilitate at Face to Face. 

Right now, Ash’s greatest aspiration is building their career. 

“I love to work. I love coffee, and I love working at Wild Flyer. When I got this job, I had a little thought in my head, ‘this is a way I can advance in my career.’  Something like making a cup of coffee can lead to making more friends, learning something I didn’t know, and leading me to a career that excites me and keeps me moving forward.

I want to improve myself. And, my intention is to help other people and end youth homelessness,” they say. “Representation matters. It’s hard for people who look like me or who have been in my situation to get access to resources, to be listened to, to have a voice. This is inspiring to me to share my story and lift up my voice, so it is heard.”  

“I am taking an active role in changing my life, and I want other youth to know, ‘if I can do it, you can do it too.” 

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Photo Credit:  Carrie Ardito