Growing up in group homes, and without a stable family to rely on, Samantha struggled through her teenage years. When about to enter college, she learned she was pregnant and knew she needed to put off her education to find work. With no employment experience, it was a daunting task.

Then Samantha discovered Double Take. She researched the store, reading about its social mission to help those in the community gain employment, and about broader ways in which YSM works to help those who are struggling. She applied to the store and was soon hired.

During her first year at Double Take, Samantha was living in an unsafe, toxic environment which led to health issues and, later, becoming homeless with her two small children.

Double Take’s Manager did all she could to assist Samantha in finding a shelter and other resources. Samantha received clothing and other necessities and, when she found housing again, Double Take provided her with furniture for her new place.

“It’s been a really rough year,” explains Samantha, “but Double Take has been a very stable part of my life and has helped me gain work experience so that I can move forward with my life. I went from having no experience, in anything, to being able to communicate with customers and operate the cash – basic things that I hadn’t learned before.”

Samantha wants to go back to school to one day be able to work at helping kids and youth who are living in group homes. She hopes her own experiences will help her give hope where it’s needed most.