German was born deaf and mute and has always been dependent on others to help with his daily tasks and needs. As an 18-year-old junior at a local high school, German was referred to Martha’s Village & Kitchen by the Student Assistance Program after he chose to leave home and be independent. German struggled for a time and ended up in a place far from what he was used to. Coming from the Los Angeles area, the Coachella Valley was a foreign place full of strangers. German did not have many options and did not know what to do.
After entering the program at Martha’s, German began to adapt well to the new space and community. He was able to communicate with staff and his Case Manager by writing or texting his needs, wants and concerns about his situation. The biggest change for German was not getting the daily sprite that he would normally get from his mother. Staff ensured that German was taken care of by helping him with wake up times, meal reminders, program services and of course providing his daily sprite.
“Eddie goes above and beyond in being supportive and making me feel comfortable. Giving me my daily sprite made a big difference and made me feel not so alone.”
Over time, German found his independence in working with staff and attending different program sessions. At the end of his time at Martha’s Village & Kitchen, he had a choice to move to Safe House of the Desert where he would be among other youth closer to his age range or to return to Los Angeles and to the school he went prior to coming to the desert. German decided to go back to Los Angeles with support from Martha’s and is doing well with his new found independence.