To be honest, Y-HEP was my dream job. My commitment to working to youth prevention is part of my existence and I am honored to be part of the team. I have always felt that FIGHT’s Youth Health Empowerment Project has done an amazing job of being that support with the harm reduction model for at-risk you in Philly, whether they are homeless, hopeless, or just in need of a resource. I joined the FIGHT team because I did not want to just praise Y-HEP for progressive work, but also be part of the solution.

My official title is Y-HEP Communications and Operations Supervisor. That involves overseeing Y-HEP’s Empowerment Center’s logical wants and needs, carrying out disciplinary actions in the center, building and maintaining relationships with other groups, youth serving organizations, and the Philadelphia School District. I manage data collection and databases for AACO and DBH contracts. Lastly, I conduct educational presentations to youth throughout the city.

Many of the youth I work with have many interconnecting factors going in their lives and are often fear or are resistant to change. I had one difficult participant who felt that they were always being asked to change their behaviors. I worked with them slowly in hopes of building enough trust that they will take some of my guidance. I felt that I was not getting anywhere because they continue to resist. However, on one occasion, they were acting out in the center and was told to take a 5 minute walk to calm down, a typical thing we do at Y-HEP when things get out of hand. When they returned, they came directly to me to apologize and promised to make more effort to change. They continued to express how Y-HEP was important to saving their lives and that they needed the services. It was that moment when I was reminded that working with young people is a long and tedious process, but worth the struggle because it can and does work! This participant has slowly changed and is now on a path to making better choices.

Believing in the work and understanding the need keeps me motivated. HIV doesn’t have a face or, as a matter of fact, an age! People are entitled to information and lifesaving services, whether that is preventive or treatment. That motivated me to continue this work. Despite long hours, stress, funding cuts, or even just lack of hope, the need keeps me coming back for more!