Dear Roomsponsor,
I hope you’re doing ok during this strange time.
My name’s Rochana. I’m 22 years old and I’ve been living at YMCA for about two years. I’ve been offered so many great opportunities at YMCA, so I wanted to share my story with you and tell you how much your support means.
When I was little, my parents weren’t able to look after me. They had issues with alcohol and drug use and had quite a lot to deal with themselves. From the age of four I lived with my grandma and I had a good relationship with her. She was always there for me. But when I was about 15 she became unwell and wasn’t getting better. One day I got home from school and my grandma’s friend was there. They’d had to call an ambulance and at hospital they discovered she had terminal cancer.
I was in complete shock and disbelief. I just wanted it to be anything but cancer. I also didn’t know what I was going to do, my grandma had always looked after me and there wasn’t anyone else I could turn to. It was one of the hardest days of my life.
With nowhere to go, I was taken into care. It was really hard being away from my grandma, not knowing if she was ok in hospital. It was also really difficult adjusting to being in care, while also travelling for hospital visits and trying to keep up with school and my work experience placement.
Not long after, my grandma passed away. I couldn’t believe she was actually gone, she had looked after me all my life.
During that time, I moved around a few different foster homes but eventually I found a long term foster placement. I lived there for 3 years, and I finally felt settled. But when I had just turned 18, my foster carer had to move to a smaller house and unfortunately didn’t have room for me.
At the age of 18, I had no option of joining another foster home. I had to turn to supported accommodation through the council, but it was very difficult because I had trouble keeping on top of things and I was always worried about not being able to pay my rent. I didn’t have any experience living by myself and I found it really hard. Eventually, because of issues with rent, I had to leave my place with the council. I had nowhere to go and I was so scared that I would have to sleep on the street. Luckily, I found YMCA and they gave me a safe place to stay.
Things were different at YMCA; it was strange at first but people there were so lovely I didn’t feel alone anymore. There’s always someone I can talk to and it’s made such a difference just knowing there’s someone there for me. I’ve not had that since my grandma passed away. My keyworker has been with me since the beginning and I feel like I can really trust her. She’s supported me with so many things from budgeting and careers advice, to just being there to talk to. For the first time ever, I felt hopeful for the future.
It was at YMCA that I found my passion for photography. I was given the opportunity to practice my skills at a YMCA event, and I got lots of great feedback. It was then that I realised that maybe I was good at this.
I’m trying to work towards my ambitions now and I even entered my photos in a competition and I’m so excited to tell you that I won. My keyworker has been helping me find courses to start my path to a photography career and it feels like things are really starting to look up for me now. I know what I want to do for a job now and I’m excited to learn more about it.
When I think back to when I first moved to YMCA, I think I’ve changed a lot. I feel like my confidence has really grown and I now do things I never would have thought of doing before, like my photography, and writing to you!
If I hadn’t found YMCA, I wouldn’t have discovered my love for photography, or made any of the friends I have here. I’d always struggled to make friends before and I’m really grateful for the people I have around me now.
I’m also thankful for your support, I really appreciate all that you do for us. Knowing there are people like you behind us every step of the way means a lot. I just want to say thank you so much.
Kind regards,
Rochana
Dear Rochana
Thank you for sharing your story. It is very uplifting. It means a lot to sponsors to know what a huge contribution the YMCA makes to the lives of young people. You have made such great strides and I know that you will continue to do so. We are with you all the way. John and Carol
Thank you Rochana for your lovely but in parts sad story. I’m so happy you’re heading for a good future, that’s from you as well as the YMCA! Wishing you everything you would like, bless you, Lynne 😊😘🙏
Dear Rochanna, I am so pleased, that you found YMCA after your really troubled beginnings and loosing your Grandmother. Now you have a future and can achieve your ambitions, knowing that you now have wonderful support.
I wish you a bright and happy future and thank you for sharing your story with us all, it makes our giving so worth while.
Every good wish Norma.
Hey Rochana, thanks for writing to us – Well done for winning the photography competition thats fantastic!!! I’m glad the people from the YMCA are there for you to support you and to help you develop your photography skills which is great. It is amazing to follow a career in something that you love – so if you find that with photography you will be onto a great start. I wish you all the best for the future. Take care, Andy.
Dear Rochana, I was a board member at my local YMCA for over 20 years so I know a lot about the wonderful work they do for and with young people like you. When I retired from the board it seemed becoming a room sponsor was the logical thing to do so that I can continue supporting this wonderful organisation with its work supporting young people like you who are struggling to find a place in the world. xx
Well done . that’s so encouraging to read how you’ve found something your passionate about. We wish you all the best as you pursue your new career. I’m so pleased that with YMCA support you’ve been given an oppportunity for a fresh start. All the best
Lovely story, thank you for sharing it with us and hope that you go from strength to strength. God bless
Hello Rochana. I’m sorry to hear you have lost your dear Grandma but very pleased to hear you have found support, friends, comfort and discovered a passion for photography at the YMCA .Well done to you for winning that competition! I wish you the very best and every success for the future. Take care. Jenny. X