Hi All,

It’s the end of my third week with Huckleberry House — and what a busy week it has been! It started out with (as I mentioned in my last blog post) the rest of my interviews with Huck House’s directors and some of their key managerial staff, particularly those who oversee the Transitional Living Program and the Youth Outreach Program. Respectively, these programs help young people aged 17-24 and youth aged 12-24 who need help finding housing, getting a job, finishing school, learning how to parent, etc.

I’d say my biggest takeaway from my meetings with these staff is the importance of being intentional, empathic, consistent, and nonjudgmental with young people in crisis to ensure they not only feel seen and heard but also supported and encouraged while they take their next steps. As someone still figuring out being a young adult myself, it was great to learn about how much Huck House works to holistically care for young people during their times of need and even after — I can’t even begin to describe how much the support and love of my parents and mentors have helped me become the woman I am today

However, I’d say the highlight of this week was helping to plan and then host the Juneteenth celebration we held for the youth on the 18th. It was great not only to get to meet some of the youth Huck House serves but also to share with them a little bit about the history of Juneteenth and how important it is for everyone, though especially those in the Black community, to know about it as part of U.S. history.

Until next week,
Emoni