Grace's Journey Forward

When Grace came to WAYS for Life in 2022, she was looking for one thing, stability.

She was a young adult starting over after a challenging season, without permanent housing, transportation, or a support system she could rely on. What she found at WAYS was more than a single service, she found a community of wraparound support that met her where she was and stayed with her as her life began to change.

Stable Housing

Grace’s first connection to WAYS was through housing support. After completing transitional programs with natural end dates, she needed help finding something more permanent, a place that could offer consistency and security.

Through WAYS’ housing advocacy and guidance, Grace secured the Foster Youth to Independence (FYI) housing choice voucher while attending Eastern Florida State College. The FYI voucher is a federal program that helps young adults with a history of foster care afford stable housing while they pursue education or employment goals.

With WAYS walking alongside her through the application process, documentation, and ongoing recertifications, Grace was able to move into Aurora Palms, a property operated by the Housing Authority of Brevard County

The Housing Authority of Brevard County works to provide safe, affordable housing opportunities for individuals and families across our community, helping young adults like Grace establish long-term stability as they build independent lives.

This was the first place Grace had ever lived that truly felt like hers.

“For the first time, I had a place I could come back to and know it was mine.”

That stability became the foundation everything else was built on.

Transportation Support

When Grace first arrived at WAYS, she had no transportation. Even getting to appointments, work, or school felt overwhelming.

WAYS helped bridge that gap by providing access to a bike, giving Grace immediate independence and the ability to show up consistently for opportunities in her life. Over time, with continued stability and support, she was able to purchase her own car. A milestone that demonstrated just how far she has come.

Education and Career Support

With housing stability in place, Grace was finally able to focus on what came next, her education and her future.

She graduated from Eastern Florida State College with her Associate of Arts degree in May 2025 and is now pursuing her bachelor’s degree in Social Work at University of Central Florida.

A path shaped by her desire to give back and support others walking through challenges like the ones she has overcome.

Along the way, WAYS remained a steady presence. From navigating paperwork and deadlines to offering encouragement during stressful moments, our team helped ensure that nothing stood in the way of Grace continuing forward.

Today, Grace is balancing work and school while actively building a career rooted in service. Her journey reflects what is possible when young adults are given stability, consistent support, and someone who believes in them, not just to succeed, but to dream bigger than they once thought possible.

Legal and Life Stability

During her early time at WAYS, Grace was navigating complex systems tied to accountability and compliance. With staff support, she was able to complete required processes, stay on track, and ultimately move forward without barriers holding her back.

WAYS staff walked alongside her through paperwork, deadlines, and transitions helping reduce stress and keep her focused on long-term goals like continuing her education. These moments of advocacy made it possible for Grace to move into her next chapter with confidence.

“I didn’t have to figure everything out alone. That made all the difference.”

Mental Health and Wellness

Grace has received counseling support through WAYS for over a year, giving her a safe space to process her experiences, build healthy coping skills, and continue moving forward with confidence.

Through WAYS’ partnerships, Grace was connected to free counseling services made possible through VOCA-funded programming. This support allowed her to focus on healing while continuing to pursue her education, maintain housing stability, and grow personally.

Most importantly, Grace never had to choose between surviving and healing. Counseling was not something she had to earn or put off until life felt easier. It was there when she needed it, helping her stay grounded through moments of stress, transition, and growth.

This kind of care is a vital part of wraparound support. When young adults are supported emotionally as well as practically, they are better equipped to build stable, hopeful futures.

Leadership Development

As Grace’s life became more stable, she also began to discover something new, her confidence and her voice.

With encouragement from WAYS, Grace invested in her personal growth by completing Life Skills Reimagined and participating in Dale Carnegie Leadership Training. These experiences helped her strengthen communication skills, build confidence, and recognize her own potential as a leader.

Grace was also accepted into the Selfless Love Foundation Academy, a competitive leadership program designed for former foster youth. Being selected for this program affirmed what WAYS had seen all along, Grace had both the strength and the ability to lead.

Through the Academy, Grace is preparing a speech centered on her dream of opening her own practice to support young people who have experienced foster care involvement and the justice system. Her goal is to help others heal from trauma and build stable, independent lives.

A Steady Place to Return To

Even now, as Grace thrives, she stays connected to WAYS.

When housing recertifications feel overwhelming, when paperwork threatens her stability, or when life simply feels heavy, she knows she can come back. Our team helps smooth communication, gather documentation, and ensure she keeps the housing and support she’s worked so hard to secure.

WAYS is and will always be her steady place throughout her journey.

“WAYS didn't just help me once. They stayed.”