Success Stories
David
David came to NCS’s New Vistas Program in January of 2005 after being homeless for five years. Read More
Charlotte
Following several years of unemployment and living in transitional housing, Charlotte entered NCS’s on–the–job training program. Read More
Eugene
In a little more than two years, Eugene has gone from living on the streets to living independently, securing a job as Assistant Manager at Duane Reade and becoming engaged to be married. Read More
David
David came to NCS’s New Vistas Program in January of 2005 after being homeless for five years. He began working with OPTIONS vocational and educational services and enrolled in Emporium Online to develop his computer and interpersonal skills. Just a few weeks into the vocational training, he identified an interest in working with individuals who share his struggle with chemical addiction. David’s vocational counselor helped him develop a career plan to achieve his goal of becoming a licensed substance abuse counselor.
After graduating from Emporium Online, David was referred by OPTIONS staff to Argus Community’s ACT I CASAC training. In recovery from substance abuse himself and being extremely career oriented, David excelled in the program. He furthered his clinical skills at Palladia Inc. as a Substance Abuse Counselor Intern and received ACT I CASAC certification. David recently moved from New Vistas to a Lower East Side studio for low–income individuals, owned by Henry Street Settlement. He is excited to be in his new home and on his way to becoming a full–time Substance Abuse Counselor.
Charlotte
Following several years of unemployment and living in transitional housing, Charlotte, seen here with her Emporium Online (EO) certificate, entered NCS’s on–the–job training program as a means of updating her technical and teamwork skills. A natural leader in the program, Charlotte gained proficiency in operating the online business and went on to become a peer trainer. Charlotte’s enthusiasm, paired with her personal and professional growth, provided inspiration to fellow EO participants, as well as staff members. While honing her resume and interviewing skills at NCS, she enrolled and completed a certificate program in proofreading and began working with several law firms. Today she has her own apartment and is a full–time Program Associate at Safe Horizons, where she continues to inspire individuals looking to transform their lives.
Eugene
In a little more than two years, Eugene has gone from living on the streets to living independently, securing a job as Assistant Manager at Duane Reade and becoming engaged to be married. Eugene exemplifies the power of personal determination and the incredible growth homeless individuals can achieve through utilizing NCS’s continuum of services.
In 2005, Eugene walked through the doors at the Neighborhood Center for Homeless People (NCHP) struggling with issues that not only caused him to lose his apartment but also threatened his life. Driven by a fear of long–term incarceration and a determination to repair his life, Eugene sought help from NCS. Wanting to be involved in something positive, he began looking for every opportunity to help out at NCHP. Eugene started volunteering in the kitchen and participating in JobWorks, NCS’s internship program. He strived to be the best worker and focused on his goal of obtaining full–time employment. Shortly after joining JobWorks, Eugene’s vocational counselor secured him an interview with Duane Reade. Eugene was excited because "I could already see myself repairing my life." It presented him with the possibility of saving money, while continuing to work with counselors in getting further training and better paying jobs.
Beyond his employment successes, Eugene went from living on the streets to Lester Waldman’s Place (NCS’s transitional shelter), to Prince Transitional Housing and finally, to his own apartment, where he currently resides.