YSS Aftercare Brings Hope for a Better Life

At the age of 5, Nevaeh had a traumatic brain injury, falling off the front pegs of a bike going over a speed bump and it turned her life around completely.

When Nevaeh was 9 years-old, she had behavioral issues and was very impulsive. She went to a shelter in Mason City, which was the first of many shelter and residential treatment stays. “I’ve been to Four Oaks, Woodward Academy, Orchard Place, and a lot more.”

On January 12 of this year, Nevaeh got released from Juvenile detention, however she was still on probation until she turned 18. In May, she started working with her Aftercare advocate, Sheila, based through the Marshall County Aftercare program.

“I wasn’t really motivated at first, but then in October, I got my first apartment. Sheila helped me out with my vendor money to get me started for the deposit. Which was a huge help, because I didn’t have a full-time job to be able to pay that deposit.”

Aftercare services have provided Nevaeh with a brand-new couch for her apartment. She is optimistic about the future of her life with the Aftercare program.

“Everyone said in the past that I wouldn’t be able to do the things most adults could do because of my brain injury. I learned that no matter what happens I can do what anyone else can do!”

Currently, Nevaeh has a full-time job at Walmart, has her own apartment, a kitten named Georgia, and a boyfriend. Nevaeh is grateful that her juvenile detention officer led her to Aftercare services.

“Without Aftercare and my Aftercare advocate, I don’t know where I would be today.”