Civic Engagement in Youth Independent Living
On the last Saturday in February, two of our Smith House residents exercised their freedom to vote for the first time.
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Before voting, the girls participated in two independent living skills groups with
Halla Banafa, Director of Residential Services at Pendleton Place, where they researched the candidates and issues that were most important to them.
"They did such an amazing job and were so mature through the whole process," Banafa said. "Both girls have also been educating their peers about the importance of voting. It's been such a positive experience overall and I'm incredibly proud of them."
It meant a lot to Sierra to be able to vote when she turned 18. "I finally got to directly be a part of what change happens in this country," Sierra said.
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Smith House residents Arionna and Sierra |
Arionna and Sierra, young adults receiving services at Pendleton Place, have granted permission for their names and pictures to appear in this newsletter.