Angel Jackson, a dedicated TAY Case Manager at BEDS Plus, is making an impact in the Transitional Housing program. With a deep understanding of the challenges faced by young individuals who find themselves unhoused, Angel uses her role to provide crucial guidance and support to help shape futures.
The BEDS Plus TAY program is designed to support youth aged 18-24 who are experiencing homelessness. The program provides safe housing, intensive case management, and life skills training to help young adults transition to stable and independent living. It aims to break the cycle of homelessness and equip youth with the tools necessary for long-term success.
One of the biggest hurdles Angel works to overcome is breaking down emotional walls and addressing the clients' wariness to trust and believe in the support system available to them. "Many of the TAY clients have been victims much of their lives. They are always on edge and don’t want to trust you. They haven’t had people in their lives who showed up for them or went out of their way to help them. So, when they see me doing that for them, it establishes trust over time,” Angel explains.
Angel notes that many of her clients lack conflict resolution, communication, and comprehension skills due to backgrounds of neglect and generational homelessness. “They haven’t developed the correct way of how to navigate life. I realized a lot of them don’t have essential life skills, like how to get from point A to point B,” she says. “They’re vulnerable because they need guidance. This time is crucial to break patterns they have been exposed to.”
Angel’s commitment to her clients is unwavering. She understands the importance of being a consistent and reliable presence in their lives. “Let’s get our goals in line and see what we want to do so we can make sure we get that longevity,” she emphasizes.
For Angel, the reward is immense. “Being here is so rewarding. It’s a feel-good thing to help people. Nothing beats seeing your client smiling and hearing them say ‘thank you.’”