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Meet Barbara

Formerly a teen runaway, Barbara was a resident at Covenant House Florida's crisis shelter in 1994. Now she volunteers one evening a week ministering to the runaway and homeless youth who need love and guidance.

Explaining her commitment to volunteer, she wrote: "Once upon a time I lived in a troubled world, where to me there was no light, any way out, no hope. I was only fifteen and no one would listen to me because it was an adult world and parents were always right. "My parents abandoned me. My many friends turned into very few and my boyfriend was holding hands with my supposed best friend. My new friends were kids who wanted to take advantage of my situation. My new home was by the pool, on the steps, or in the public bathroom.

"I found Covenant House and the staff graciously took me in. Coming here took me off the streets, gave me a bed to sleep in, food to eat, clothes to wear, and people to talk to. My counselors listened to me and tried to help. These wonderful people believed in me when no one else would.

"Because Covenant House was there in my time of need, I have been able to graduate high school on time. I have also gone to college where I am finishing a bachelor’s degree. I look forward to obtaining my master’s degree in the near future as well. I have been able to maintain wonderful friendships, and rebuild the lost relationship with my parents. "Giving back to the community the same way help was extended to me has a significant meaning. I want these young men and women to have the opportunity to look back and see that this place has helped them and that they too can live happily ever after."