Hopeful Transitions

Emily's Story

Emily’s childhood was anything but easy. She was raised by an alcoholic mother and spent most of her childhood in and out of foster care.She was driven by anger and defiance. After being sent to multiple behavioral institutions across Wyoming, she landed at the Wyoming Girls School in Sheridan.

Once in Sheridan, Emily found VOA’s Independent Living Program.

With help from the Independent Living program, she attended Northern Wyoming Community College to become a Certified Nursing Assistant – fully paid for by VOA, including her textbooks and scrubs.

Emily, now 19 years old, lives in her own apartment and works full-time as a CNA. She has a passion for the work she is doing and uses her past experiences to bring a positive light to her patients.
Emily said, “I’ve always known that I’ve wanted to help people because of the way I grew up...I know that telling my story can help others.”