Countdown to 2020 … I said to myself THIS IS IT! This is my opportunity to move forward.

HOPE Place, our supportive transitional housing program, has been changing the trajectories of the young people who have lived there. Beau was the very first young person to move into HOPE Place in December of 2016. Over the past three years he has been empowered to make many changes in his life that he’d like to share with you.

“My name is Beau Field. I was born in the Philippines and was placed in an orphanage. When I was 5 years old, I was adopted by my new family in Jackson, Mississippi. I was scared because everything was new to me: new people, new country, and new language.

As a teenager, my mom and I never really got along, especially as I got older, so when I turned 18, I made the decision to move from Mississippi to Minnesota to live with my sister. Despite the promise of a fresh start, life in Fridley wasn’t as easy as I was hoping it would be. After a fallout with my sister, I became homeless which led me to finding HOPE 4 Youth.

The first day, as I walked through the doors of HOPE 4 Youth, I was nervous. A HOPE 4 Youth case manager met with me, listened to what I needed, and gave me advice about what I could do to move forward. After that, I visited the Drop-In Center every day and would access the food pantry and clothing closet, eat the hot meal, and get my hair cut. Every time I walked through the doors, there was always someone welcoming me. They understood what I was going through, believed in me and gave me the support I needed to move forward.

In 2016, I was given the opportunity to move into HOPE Place, HOPE 4 Youth’s transitional housing program. I said to myself THIS IS IT! This is my opportunity to move forward – to graduate, to obtain a career, to take care of myself. I immediately set goals with my advocate – my first goal was to get my high school diploma. And I did. Then I worked with Jenilee, who comes to HOPE 4 Youth from the Anoka County Empowers Program every week, to find job opportunities. I have worked with the Anoka-Hennepin School District as an Adventures Plus Childcare Assistant. And am now working towards being a para in the schools.

Also, I was able to work on my physical, emotional and spiritual health. I started working with a kidney specialist to manage my chronic kidney disease. I ate healthier and lost over 40 pounds. I also worked out in the fitness room at HOPE Place and spent time outside playing basketball and biking. And got glasses so I could see my life going forward. My advocate referred me to ARMs to work on my emotional health which continues today. I was also searching for spiritual health which led me to HOPE TreeHouse and Chain of Lakes Church. Two things that have helped me on my journey forward.

I lived at HOPE Place for two years and with Sara’s help, I moved into my own apartment a year ago. The Housing Heroes team at HOPE 4 Youth helped furnish my apartment with the items I need so it isn’t just a place to live, it’s my home. HOPE 4 Youth is still a big part of my life. I’m grateful that even though I am moving forward I can still be part of the HOPE 4 Youth Family.

I want to thank everyone who has helped me on my journey. I couldn’t have come this far without your support.”