Diamond grew up in and out of group homes. She had suffered abuse, neglect and participated in risky behavior. She ran away from her group home and thought she had no other option than to live on the streets.

About two years later, Diamond reappeared at her old group home, pregnant and alone. Living on the streets was a rough existence and Diamond was dealing with a lot of anger issues. She began working with Stanford Youth Solutions and was determined to succeed.

Challenged to focus on finding new solutions to old problems, Diamond learned coping skills to deescalate difficult situations with peers and family members, while understanding and managing her own feelings. The birth of her son was a real turning point in her life. Diamond didn’t want her son to grow up the way she had, without a stable home. Stanford Youth Solutions helped reconnect her with caring family, provided necessary items for the baby and showed Diamond there were options for her to go back to school.

Diamond’s grandfather offered a safe and stable environment for her and her infant son to live. Diamond enrolled in a medical assistant program and is now managing her new life with confidence.

“Stanford Youth Solutions never gave up on me,” said Diamond.