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Teen living life on her own would be grateful for food, clothes, umbrella By Buffy Pollock Dec 20, 2022 01:00 AM A A Editor’s note: Light One Candle is an annual series sponsored by the Mail Tribune that focuses on an individual, group or organization who could use a helping hand during the holiday season. Once that need is filled, donations may be distributed to others in need. Abandoned by her mother at age 15, this local teen quickly had to figure out how to do life on her own. Gathering enough money from already working a part-time job, she was able to pay for a temporary stay in a local motel. When money ran out, she was thankful to connect with a Community Works case manager and the agency’s transitional living program for youth who are homeless and in need of housing. Barbara Johnson, executive director for Community Works, said the transitional living program houses dozens of teens each year, all trying to move forward in life and muster some stability during trying times. Johnson said the young woman, whom she described as kind, timid and unassuming, “has taken her hope and resilience and used it to move mountains.” In two years of being on her own, Johnson said, the young woman, now 17, is tackling her senior year while working enough to contribute part of her monthly rent — building credit history — and excelling at school. “Everyone who meets her is amazed by her and would never suspect her challenging life journey,” said Johnson. “From the outside looking in, (the teen) is a typical high-schooler who has an after-school job, yet what she has endured is far more complex.” After graduation, the teen dreams of joining a program in the medical field so she can help others. When asked what she loves, she says it is that coveted and limited time she has to relax. Blessings for the teen this Christmas would be gift cards to afford her the chance to grab coffee drinks or have lunch with friends. Gift cards to grocery stores would ease the burden of food costs. As the teen uses the local bus system for transportation, she’d also appreciate an umbrella for rainy days as well as the chance to shop for clothes for herself at local stores. A work-related request, given her plans to start working in the medical field after graduation, are size large scrubs. To reach Community Works, call 541-779-2393.