Rhetta's Story
A Fresh Start for One Young Artist
On a snowy day just over a year ago Rhetta Grey showed up at Volunteers of America’s Bannock Youth Center. After two years of bouncing between over a dozen temporary homes, Rhetta was homeless and was hoping someone at Volunteers of America had an answer.
Throughout her teenage years, Rhetta moved between unstable homes with her biological parents, adoptive parents, friends and various programs. Simply finding a way to make it to her high school classes across town was a daily struggle. She had stayed as long as she was allowed at her current place and feared her only option was living in shelters when she came to Volunteers of America.
Entering the Bannock Youth Center program at 19-years-old, Rhetta met a case manager who helped her finally find a permanent place to live, which was also close to her school. Like all teens and young adults in Bannock Youth Center’s housing programs, Rhetta received assistance with her rent, committed to attend weekly life skills classes at the center, and began regularly meet with her case manager.
Having a permanent place to call home changed everything for Rhetta. In her new apartment, Rhetta says she is finally in a place where she is not constantly worried about being kicked out and can focus on the accomplishing her goals. Now 13 months into the program, Rhetta graduated high school in January and is working to build a future in something she is truly passionate about, art.
An artist practically from birth, Rhetta draws and paints, focusing on mixed media. She completed her first art show last month hosted by RAW: Natural Born Artists. Being a part of a prestigious and exclusive show was a big step she said.
Rhetta says the case managers at Bannock Youth Center truly care for their clients and helped her gain confidence in her own capabilities