“One of the biggest things we wonder is: who will stick around when they stop getting paid to do so? I had so many people in my life providing "services" vs. providing real, long-term support. It's hard to create reciprocal relationships when you have learned that there is a time and a place for sharing - during appointments. And what happens when those appointments stop? Once youths "age out" of the system, what do they do with all of the emotions they once had an outlet for? At 18, I still had a lot left to learn, but the number of people willing to teach me drastically decreased. Often those feelings of frustration and lack of support manifest into behavior that does not benefit us. If you are someone with a listening ear and an open door, we need you. If you're not very emotional but are good with budgeting and planning, we need you. I am only where I am today because people who weren't obligated to stepped up to the plate. Without these people, I could've ended up in a much different situation.”

Greta, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel