Once upon a time, in a city where dreams often clashed with the harsh reality of life, a group of dedicated individuals, Liberation Sisters, came together with a shared vision. We were deeply concerned about the challenges faced by adolescents transitioning out of foster care, especially those aged 18 to 26. These young souls had experienced traumas that no one should ever endure, and statistics were telling a daunting tale. The statistics were stark, showing that PTSD in adolescents might begin to resemble the kind seen in adults, with some unique features that set it apart.

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Children and adolescents, we understood, had their own way of coping with trauma. Children often engage in traumatic play, reenacting their experiences in an attempt to make sense of the world around them. Adolescents, on the other hand, had a different approach. They incorporated aspects of their traumatic past into their daily lives, struggling with impulsive and aggressive behaviors more frequently than their younger counterparts.

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Liberation Sisters saw a broken system, one that was inadequately designed for older youth, who were aging out of foster care. It was a system that relied too heavily on placements, often displacing young hearts multiple times without offering the permanency and family support they so desperately needed. The results were distressing, with poor outcomes reflecting the effects of these unnecessary removals, frequent placements, and a lack of stability.

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The dream for change was ignited by the knowledge that something had to be done. The statistics were a call to action, and aging out was no longer accepted as an inevitable fate for these young adults. So, we embarked on a journey to create a haven – a place of refuge and growth for those in need. It would be called "Safe Journey Transitional Housing."

This endeavor was born from our collective belief that every young person, despite their troubled past, deserves a chance at a better future. Safe Journey was not just a residence; it was a sanctuary for healing, empowerment, and resilience. It offered 24/7 staff support, case management, counseling, education, employment guidance, and a specialized program for young adults aged 18 to 26.

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Safe Journey aimed to break the cycle, transform lives, and provide the support and family that aging-out foster youth so desperately lacked. It was a place where the statistics didn't define the future but where the future was redefined by the strength and potential of each and every young soul who walked through its doors. It was a beacon of hope and a testament to the power of compassionate action.