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My name is Mackenzie Ramsay; I am 22 years old. I spent my childhood in foster care in Broward County. When I turned 18 and aged out of the foster care system, I was on my own, thrown to the wolves. I was scared. I didn’t know how to deal with the real world, how to manage, or how would I survive. Lucky for me, I had the services and supports provided through the Transitional Independent Living Initiative to assist me with this daunting transition. I participated in many life skills courses and learned what to expect; however, when it was time for “Hands on Experience” I failed. I had many setbacks during the first year of my “New Life”. With the backing and support of the Independent Living Programs, especially my Independent Living Specialist and the Independent Living Supervisor, I was able to get back on track. I now am a junior at Florida Gulf Coast University majoring in social work. I have a 3.86 GPA and if it wasn’t for the independent living programs and the staff I wouldn’t be where I am now! I am thankful that I “aged out” in Broward County where the TIL Initiative provided services to help youth in transition. I want to express my gratitude to United Way of Broward County and the rest of the community for contributing to the Independent Living Programs! |
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Kerry is the program's shining star! He was one of the first interns
hired for MODS' TIL program, and is now completing his 2nd internship
year. He quickly learned the job basics and is now a Level III Animal
Handler, which means he can hold small alligators, snakes and other
reptiles. This competency typically takes three years to achieve and
Kerry did it in two - a feat especially remarkable in that Kerry was
not an animal lover and didn't want to work with them when he came on
board. Now on Saturdays, Kerry works in the Life Sciences area, feeding
and caring for the animals, testing water PH and administering
medication. Besides working with animals, Kerry operates Museum rides
and assists in public presentations. His supervisor and mentor Ryan
Sullivan is encouraging him in public speaking because his duties
include so much interaction with the public. Kerry has excellent work habits and is consistently engaged in his work. He also works well with his peers, encouraging other MODS interns, youth volunteers and employees to do their best. With Ryan's help, Kerry opened a Savings & Checking account and can now manage his finances on-line. (Kerry has access to computers both at MODS and at home.) |
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| Kerry recently applied to and was accepted into the Transitional Independent Living housing facility in Pembroke Pines, enabling him to move from his high-crime ZIP code to the new facility. He is thriving in his new, safe environment that includes round-the-clock adult supervision. Kerry just signed up for GED courses, and plans to graduate by June 2009. After graduation, he wants to attend Broward College and obtain his baccalaureate, perhaps in teaching. | |||
