The Latest From Twitter

Youth Stories

Elizabeth

Elizabeth came to escape her life of prostitution in Chicago, IL. Elizabeth was sexually abused by multiple relatives beginning when she was 11 years old. To stop the abuse, she ran away at age 15. Her father never alerted authorities to report her missing. While on the streets, Elizabeth met a man who made her believe he would help her and take care of her. Things were fine for a few weeks, but then her “boyfriend” forced her to have sex with other men for money. After four years of prostitution, Elizabeth decided to change her life and find a place that would help her create a new life for herself.  She found out about CHGA on the internet, and after a few months of saving money in secret, was able to buy a Greyhound ticket to Atlanta. She came into CHGA’s Crisis Shelter with all of her possessions in one bag. With the support of CHGA’s case managers, Elizabeth obtained employment and transitioned into CHGA’s independent living program, Rights of Passage. At ROP, Elizabeth had her own apartment and learned the daily living skills needed to maintain her apartment. Through one of CHGA's partners, Year Up, Elizabeth also gained an internship with a national insurance company. After a year and a half in the program, Elizabeth graduated and moved into her own apartment and has a full-time job at the insurance company.