In full transparency, I never know how to start these blog posts. Every first sentence I think of
feels cheesy or weird. For me, the start of any writing assignment is usually the hardest part, and this summer heat is melting what is left of my brain that is still recovering from last semester.

With that being said, I guess I’ll jump right into it.
This week summer is in full swing and so are the next steps for everything at AHO. With the list of alternative high schools being completed and a template for reaching out to them filled out, now comes the fun part of going to the schools and doing the actual reaching out part.

This week I also got to start working with a very determined person seeking stable housing through us to be able to reach his goals of becoming an EMT/Firefighter. Through AHO’s 185-member Alliance for Youth service network partners that include local housing organizations, job resources, mental health practitioners, and medical professionals I have no doubt we can help him to reach
his goals.

When AHO meets with a transitional age person seeking our assistance, the client tells us their
top three goals for which they are seeking assistance. Housing is often a top goal, but others can include a better job, car repairs, medical assistance, and school assistance. This transition-age youth is already in school and was just accepted for a housing program through AHO’s help and is already in school working on gaining the credentials and knowledge needed to pass his EMT
certificate in the future. His self-discipline and self-awareness will take him far and I am excited to get to know him and assist in his goals.

Next week there won’t be a blog post, I will be off in a cabin in the woods to celebrate my
birthday with my Fiancée and a few friends. It will be a much-needed break from life and my
cellphone. The week after it will be back to business as usual with more updates for you.

Happy camping,
Kayla