Alexi knew that Valley Youth House would change her life. But she didn’t know that it would help her find her dream.

She entered Valley Youth House in 2017 when her case to move from her permanent home into foster care was in court. She got involved in the Adolescents Achieving Independence Program and started learning how to craft a resume, fill out college applications and loans and apply to jobs. But most notably, she started getting into music.

Before her transition into foster care, Alexi didn’t set aside much time for music. When she joined VYH, however, her Life Skills Counselors encouraged her to get back into it. Alexi started writing and creating songs and raps, and she felt motivated by her counselors to begin showcasing her work.

“Before, it was just a dream,” Alexi said. But with VYH, “it became a real thing.”

Now, at 16 years old and entering her junior year at Jim Thorpe Area High School, Alexi plans on working hard to prepare for college.  She plans on majoring in business and entertainment so she can open up her own clothing store and continue making music.  She wants to use her creativity and tailoring skills to start up a brand that spreads a positive message.

For the past two years, VYH has always been a place for Alexi to go to when she’s had a bad day or just wants to talk.  She has always felt comfortable opening up to her Life Skills Counselor, Taryn, and knows that there’s no possibility for judgement.

“For me, Valley Youth House is a safe haven,” Alexi said.