Changing the Narrative Unhoused Youth -Stories of the TAY: La Lupe

Lupe Cerda’s story starts with the promise of new beginnings in a new country. Her family, a family with strong bonds, took a  leap of faith to build a better future. But life isn’t always fair, and the loss of her mother to cancer soon after arrival, set her on a different, much harder path. 

 

 With her father unavailable as he struggles to provide, a brother lost to his own challenges, and other traumatic events that isolate her emotionally, Lupe is left on her own to deal with the pain of grief, coming out in a traditionally conservative family, and surrendering to the call of addiction. When homelessness, addiction, and abuse, made Lupe tougher than she ever had to be, she did the bravest thing of all. She allowed herself to be vulnerable. She sought help. In recovery, housed, employed, and repairing her relationships, Lupe shares her story.

 

The brightest rainbows come after the worst storms.

 

We wish all the best to Lupe and her dad as they rebuild their relationship. 

If you need help, start here: The Village Family Services Drop-in Center for homeless youth. No questions asked, they will help you.

 

This episode also features fellow DiC TAY (Transitional Age Youth) Gayle Alvarez, and counselor Alejandro Soria.

 

Learn more about Changing the Narrative at Connectopod.net

 

Produced by Betsy Foldes Meiman

Sound Engineered by Joe Foldes

Theme Song 'True' by Haunted Horses NYC