Ciree Finds Her Own Path

Before moving into Louis Nine House at the age of 19, Ciree spent years moving from group home to homeless shelter and back. She was a few credits short of earning her high school degree but found it difficult to concentrate on her studies when she wasn’t sure where she would be sleeping the next night.  

Ciree began working with Elaine Gorsline, the NCS Vocational Specialist, who told her about YouthBuild, a five-month paid opportunity for unemployed, out-of-school young people. The program helps participants reclaim their education, gain job skills, and become leaders in their community. Elaine helped Ciree apply through the Northern Manhattan Improvement Corporation. 

As part of YouthBuild, Ciree enrolled in a business course where she learned how to create a business plan for “Dude Rags and Bonnets” and gave a presentation to her class explaining her promotion plan for the mock business. 

In January 2021, Ciree graduated and now has her High School Equivalency diploma!  

“I’m actually getting my lifetogether,” Ciree shared. “I’m stable now, and don’t worry about where I’m sleeping tomorrow. There are so many resources here at NCS. I’m so happy here. I’ve turned my life around.” 

While Ciree doesn’t plan to become an entrepreneur, she did take the need to prepare seriously and learned from the process. She hopes to go to trade school and then work in construction. In the meantime, she is looking for a job in security to begin earning money while applying to school.  

“Ciree is a pleasure to work with, said Elaine.  “Because of her determination, I am sure she will excel in whatever career she chooses. She is determined to grow and become self-sufficient. It’s been an honor to be a part of her process.”