Each month in our newsletter we tell you about one of the young people in Alternative House programs.  It's hard to decide who to tell you about as there are so many wonderful and courageous young people whose lives intersect with ours.  Even though we help thousands of young people each year, most people don't know that we're here.  One of the ways that you can help us is to spread the word about how Alternative House brings safety to some of our community's most vulnerable children and youth.  Please bring a friend to an Open Door or ask us to speak to a group you belong to.  Thanks!  Judith

 "Crystal" was referred to Alternative House's Emergency Shelter for Teenagers by her school counselor after her aunt dropped off her belongings at her high school and told Crystal not to return home.  Over the years, Crystal had lived with a number of relatives in Virginia after she was removed from her mother's care.  Crystal's mother was using drugs and Crystal was the victim of both physical and emotional abuse.  On her 18th birthday, Crystal's aunt asked her to leave and dropped her belongings at school.  Crystal came to Alternative House's Teen Shelter in order to find permanent alternative living arrangements.  After a stay at the Shelter, she moved to Alternative House's Homeless Youth Initiative.  We helped Crystal increase her independent living skills; including budgeting and time management.  She continued her high school education and increased her knowledge of living independently. She is now living with a family member and plans to begin community college.

A volunteer is described in the Websters dictionary as:

1. a person who voluntarily offers himself or herself for a service.
2. a person who performs a service willingly and without pay.

This month we would like to thank Julie Bazin and Bazin's on Church restaurant in Vienna for their support of Alternative House. On February 29 Bazin's hosted a Fashion Show and Wine Pairing Luncheon to benefit Alternative House. Also during the month of February they have been promoting our Open Door at the House informational sessions.