YMCA of Rapid City-YMCA Mental Health Initiative
Austyn moved to Rapid City after finding herself couch surfing with her mom in her home state of Georgia. She moved to Rapid City to move in with her grandmother, and after a few months and a bad relationship, she faced homelessness in Rapid City. That’s about the time she found the YMCA. Not only was she able to come and work for the Y, but on a particularly difficult day, she found the support of Jen Kory, the YMCA’s mental health coordinator. Through regular coaching sessions and Jen’s help in navigating existing resources and partnerships, Austyn found a reliable place to live and has worked toward her life goals. Austyn was just recently accepted into the Rapid City Police Department’s Cadet Program and is one test away from completing her GED. You can watch a video about Austyn’s story at this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ibqmjwSy5kE