Teila takes full advantage of the services Neighborhood Coalition for Shelter offers to LNH residents. “I reach out to everyone,” Teila shared. “I don’t always assume that I can do things on my own, but the staff has helped me gain confidence in myself. They point out my strengths and give me space to ask really tough questions.”
When Teila moved into Louis Nine House, she dreamed of finishing college. Today she has an Associate's degree from Borough of Manhattan Community College and a Bachelor's Degree in Fraud Examination and Financial Forensics from John Jay College. Earlier this year she was hired through a temp agency as an Accounting Clerk for New York City's Administration for Children's Services, supporting the agency that protects children who grow up in situations similar to her own. This experience inspired her to want to go back to school to get her Master’s Degree in Public Administration and continue her accounting career.
“At first, I was really scared and stressed out about doing something new. I didn’t want to make a fool of myself, and I wasn’t sure how to behave in an office environment," said Teila, reflecting on starting her job. "Elizabeth (McGuire, NCS’s Vocational Coordinator) helped me do research. She keeps me focused and helps me be realistic. She helps me plan and strategize before each step.”
One such step was connecting Teila with Tom McCulloch, NCS’s retired CFO. The two have spoken by phone several times, with Tom providing advice on what is involved in becoming an accountant and how to behave in a professional environment. Tom was so impressed by Teila that he offered to write her a letter of recommendation for graduate school.
Elizabeth believes the sky is the limit for Teila. “I’ve seen Teila work and grow in so many ways. Whatever obstacles are in her way, she maintains focus and never loses her determination. Her future is bright, and I can’t wait to see what she does next.”
Teila is looking to the future more these days, too. “There’s a lot I want to do with my life. I have a lot of goals. One day I will move out of Louis Nine House, but first I want to have a stable job. So, for now, I need to stay focused and overcome my fears. I need to believe in myself and know that I can do it.”
Elizabeth, Tom, and everyone at NCS will root for Teila as she continues on this path toward independence.
