cross the stage at graduation.

cross the stage at graduation.
Sarah, a dedicated student at Frederick County Community College, recently took a major step toward independence. Through SHIP’s Driver’s Education Program and in partnership with Second Chances Garage, she was able to buy her first car—something she never imagined possible.
Before we continue to sing the praises of Sarah, let’s talk about some of Sarah’s history and how she succeeded with SHIP. Having come to Frederick from the Ivory Coast, she struggled through school as she provided for herself. While she originally arrived here with family, she quickly became an unaccompanied youth.
She started working with a case manager in 2022, attending the New Horizons Summer Academy and accessing hygiene resources. This year, Sarah enrolled in the Thrive Housing Network’s Rapid Rehousing Program. Her case manager worked with her extensively to find an apartment to help her succeed while continuing an education, she is in the process of earning her CNA from Frederick Community College and working towards her RN. Sarah continues to be a success story and has not stopped trying to create a better life for herself, while working to achieve her goals, and follow her dreams. And during all of this process, she was able to purchase her first car through SHIP’s Car Purchasing Program. This required hard work and dedication, and she did it all.
This car isn’t just transportation; it’s a lifeline. It means reliable access to work, school, medical appointments, groceries, and more. With guidance from her SHIP case manager and the Second Chances Garage team, Sarah navigated every step of the process and is now the proud owner of a beautiful new vehicle—and a brighter future. Join us in congratulating Sarah and her many new accomplishments!
Jada’s story is one of quiet determination and strength. For several years, she has navigated the difficult reality while experiencing homelessness, a path shaped not by poor choices but by the chronic illness of her mother. Her living situation changes frequently week by week.
Unlike students in urban areas, Jada doesn’t have access to critical resources, except for school. School is where she can eat each day, engage with peers and supportive adults like her teachers, guidance counselor, and SHIP case manager.
Like many students experiencing homelessness, absences and tardiness are a concern. Jada faces countless obstacles before walking through the school doors each morning.
Jada experiences one obstacle regularly, which she calls ‘next stop’. On these challenging mornings, Jada wakes up before sunrise to pack her belongings into a duffle bag and then heads to school without confirmation of where she will sleep that night. This is common when her mom is hospitalized out of the county for treatments. She then finds a friend to stay with for a few days until her mom returns.
The spring before her senior year, Jada met with her guidance counselor and chose to enroll in our New Horizons Summer Academy. She was determined to complete an important class needed for graduation ahead of time. She knew the school year would bring many unknowns and many ‘next stops’, but the New Horizons Summer Academy would give her and others the head start needed to ensure high school graduation. That summer, she showed up daily, committed to her future, even when the path ahead was uncertain.
In Fall 2024, Jada started 12th grade filled with anticipation mixed with a bit of worry. Her high school support was nearing the end. Alongside her SHIP case manager and SHIP FAFSA mentor, she applied to several colleges, hoping for more than just a degree. She longed for a sense of stability, a bed of her own, and the chance to immerse herself fully in the college experience, such as group projects, campus events, sports games, and student government. All things she’s missed out on because her priority has always been survival.
Today we have fantastic news: Jada’s “Next Stop” is attending a local college!
She now has a chance of housing stability with on-campus housing, a meal plan, access to food employment, and critical resources. But even more exciting than her housing stability, we are thrilled, along with Jada, to learn that her financial aid packages have arrived, and thanks to a combination of merit scholarships, FAFSA, and state grants, Jada will be attending college completely debt-free.
She can now look forward to attending class on time every day and to being present for all the moments that make college memorable. Even as she begins this new journey, she’ll remain close enough to rural Frederick County to visit her mom during holidays and breaks, never forgetting where she came from.
Jada’s story reminds us that students facing housing insecurity aren’t defined by their circumstances. They are defined by their resilience, their dreams, and their unwavering belief that things can get better. For Jada, that belief is becoming her reality. With a little help from SHIP and the community cheering her on, Jada’s “next stop” is the pathway to a bright future!
At SHIP of Frederick County, we are committed to using evidence-based practices to support and uplift the students we serve as the build capacity to meet their goals. Two key approaches we implement are Motivational Interviewing and Therapeutic mentoring.
Why do these methods work? They center the student’s voice empowering them to make choices, set goals, and take ownership of their future. When young people feel heard and supported, they are more likely to stay engaged, persist through challenges, and build a path toward long-term success.
A big thank you to the Maryland Community Health Resources Commission for their support implementing and refining these practices to benefit our students! Their funding has helped our staff to dedicate time to these proven methods.
(c) 2019 - All rights reserved. Student Homelessness Initiative Partnership (SHIP) of Frederick County, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) public charity. Information about SHIP submitted under the Maryland Charitable Solicitations Act can be obtained from the Maryland Secretary of State. SHIP uses stock photography on this website to protect the privacy of the children we serve.
This website made possible through a grant provided by the Ausherman Family Foundation.
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