Jessica, 19, did not know how to get help when she reached a breaking point with her mental health. She was self isolating, experiencing severe anxiety and depression and lacked a strong support system. When she started running out of funds, she knew she needed to get help or risk being vulnerable to exploitation and trafficking. Then she arrived at Brittany's Place and staff convinced her to try talking with the onsite therapist.

She got a diagnostic assessment and went to therapy for a month, when suddenly she made the decision to try and leave to succeed on her own. Staff did not hear from her or see her for several months until one day, she asked to come back and try again. This was a defining moment, an example of her strength and resilience to always seek the best for her self and future.

During her second stay, she moved onto the Transitional Living Program, an 18 month long supportive program to allow youth to work on their education, employment, health and financial goals after addressing their immediate needs. There, a remarkable transformation occurred: she graduated from high school, studied to get her Certified Nursing Assistant certificate and participated in financial literacy classes. Shortly after, she landed her first nursing assistant job and used her new financial skills to start saving for her first apartment and car. 

In a bittersweet moment, after 18 months, she recently graduated from the Transitional Living Program to her own apartment. Staff were excited to see her growth, confidence and resilience and she continues to work with the aftercare team as needed. She is still in therapy, fully committed to maintaining her mental health and working towards reconnecting with friends to expand her support network.

Because of the generosity of our incredible donor community, many girls like Jessica have left Brittany's Place working towards futures full of healing, hope, dignity and courage. Your kindness keeps Brittany's Place operational, giving them a place to seek the shelter and mental health support needed to take these steps to move from crisis into stability and safety. 

Michael, 45, exited prison in May 2025 with only the clothes on his back. He was withdrawn and overwhelmed with the re-entry process. When he arrived at Clifton Place, he worked closely with his case manager to start seeing a  therapist to consider his next steps. He knew that while he stayed in Clifton Place, he wouldn't have to worry about safe shelter, meals or finding support. 

With the help of staff, he considered all the felon friendly careers he could pursue and decided on becoming a truck driver. It offered him flexibility, job security, a good salary and freedom, now, Michael needed only to study to get the appropriate license before he could get the job. He worked hard in the coming weeks, passing the written test and practicing with his permit. A friend stepped up to lend him some money to pay for the process and soon after, Michael passed the driving test. 

Having secured a job, he started working on finding a felon-friendly place to rent as his 90 days in Clifton Place was rapidly nearing the end. Together with his case manager, he found an apartment that was safe, in a convenient location for work and would make him comfortable. In the meantime, he was provided with lunch to take to work every day and he began to save up for his furniture.

Michael moved into his new apartment in July and has been working as a truck driver for almost 3 months. He stills sees a therapist to process his emotions when he feels anxious about his new journey and checks in with his parole officer to meet the conditions of his release. Last month, he reconnected with his siblings and they've planned a family re-union for later this fall. He went from being overwhelmed and shutting down, to rebuilding a life that brings him immense pride - a direct result of his hard work. 

When asked to reflect on his journey now Michael said “I arrived at 180 Degrees in May with nothing but the clothes on my back. Coming out of prison, I had no income. I was worried how I’d make it. Clifton Place gave me a safe place to stay, meals, and support. With housing and food taken care of, I was able to focus on finding a job."