My name is Shania and I am currently a 24-year-old full-time student. I’m passionate about learning, building meaningful connections, and finding ways to create a future I can be proud of. I’ve always carried big dreams, even during times when they felt far away. What I want people to know about me right away is that I’m someone who keeps going, even when the path isn’t easy. That determination has shaped my personal growth and is a big part of my identity.
I first connected with StepStones in 2023 during a time in my life when I was searching for stability, support, and belonging. I didn’t know exactly what I needed, but I knew I wanted change. I hoped for a place where I could grow, feel understood, and build skills that would help me move forward. When I joined, I was carrying challenges that felt heavy, and I wasn’t always sure how to navigate them on my own. I hoped StepStones could help me find direction, community, and a sense of belonging.
As I got involved, things slowly began to shift. I participated in their weekly youth community dinners, mentoring program, a wilderness camping trip, a photography workshop, and other activities like go‑karting and bowling. These were moments where I felt included, supported, and seen. The staff, mentors, and peers made me feel like I wasn’t navigating everything alone. That sense of community support became a turning point in my adult life.
One of the biggest impacts StepStones has had on my life was helping me find stable housing and rent support. They took me out of homelessness and helped me build the foundation I needed to become self‑sufficient. They did this by providing me with food and hygiene products from their pantry and through emergency grocery subsidies. This is the kind of support that made daily life manageable when things were tough. Having these resources gave me space to breathe, rebuild, and focus on my studies.
With time, I started to notice real growth in myself. I became more confident, more capable, and more aware of my own strengths. There were moments when I realized I was handling challenges better than before, or stepping into opportunities I might have avoided in the past. I discovered resilience I didn’t know I had. I learned that I’m resourceful, determined, and able to push through difficult moments, qualities that helped me move forward and confidently in systems that I felt intimidated by.
Looking ahead, I’m excited for what comes next. I’m working toward goals that matter to me, and I feel more prepared because of everything StepStones has given me. My journey with them didn’t just help me survive, it helped me grow into someone who believes in their own future. If I could speak to a younger version of myself, I’d tell them to stay patient, stay hopeful, and trust that change is very possible as long as I believe in myself.
My story is a reminder that support, community, and belief, both from others and from within, can most definitely transform a life. And I’m grateful to StepStones for how far I’ve come, and for where I’m heading next.
