Edis is proud of finding his independence. It is something he worked hard for, something he dreamed about, something he said would not have been possible without DePaul’s Independent Living program.
“I’m really appreciative of what I have learned,” said Edis. “It helped me to learn more about being responsible and independent. I enjoy the feeling of being able to depend on myself as much as I can.”
Edis was born in Honduras. When he was 14, a family member brought him to America and he settled in Charlottesville. At that young age, Edis lived on his own in a rented room and worked in construction and painting to support himself. Just imagine being a teenager living alone in a completely new place far from home. It was not easy to say the least, and Edis was forced to grow up fast. He soon entered the foster care system and thankfully was placed in a home where he received the safety, stability, and support he desperately needed. Then, when he aged out of foster care at the age of 18, he made the decision to join DePaul’s Independent Living program.
“I was led to DePaul’s Independent Living program because I believed that it would be an opportunity for me to learn more about adulthood,” said Edis.
DePaul’s Independent Living program provides guidance, compassion, and direction to young people as they transition from life in foster care to life as adults. While in the program, Edis graduated from high school, learned to cook meals on his own, obtained his driver’s license, and even saved up $15,000 by himself to purchase a vehicle so he could meet his own transportation needs.
“It made me feel very excited and accomplished,” said Edis. “It also made me self-aware that if I continue to work hard, I can accomplish anything.”
“Edis has a tremendous work ethic and has been an absolute joy in the program,” said Chelsie, director of independent living. “We are extremely proud of him.”
Edis transitioned out of the IL program late last summer—ready to spread his wings and live fully on his own. His future is bright, his dreams are big, and his life is full of promise and possibilities.
“I hope to have my own construction business, purchase a home, and be able to visit my biological family in Honduras,” said Edis.
*Photos by Jill Meriwether Photography
