Haven't we seen the name before?

Five years ago, i found myself done college, but now living on the streets. I was kicked out of my brother's place, after moving back from Brantford, and essentially I was told "they know no one named Nakitha". 

Angry, but at the same time, thinking as level-headed as possible, I took what I could to a storage unit and began my shelter journey; this was not my first experience in shelters. I was bounced around quite a bit, due to lack of space, but mainly poor decisions. I was addicted, heavily, and not willing to get help; aside from engaging in risk taking behaviours.

I began to notice how much the staff truly didn't care for the youth in their care; at least some show empathy and compassion when needed. So I began thinking of what I can do to make honest money, but remain focus on my dream of opening a homecare & shelter- for low income families who are looking for affordable childcare & respite. Although the shelter aspect will take sometime to complete, I had a soft run 2 years ago, with a female client; here's her account.

Note: counseling is a service I would charge for unlike peer support, which typically operates with shorter time periods.

Female ~Toronto,ON (Monique-Minie)

~I met Keke within the shelter system of Toronto. I TRULY didn't know what to think of her, as she rarely spoke, but when she did something usually sweet or funny came out. I began doing outreach sessions, and to my amazement, the girl knows her stuff! She arrived on-time, brought her note book and grounding tools; some I've used, other's just learned about. She gave me a very blunt realization as to aside my trauma and obstacles, the life I lived is one I should be happy with. Very hard to hear this, as you expect your counselor to side with you, but she remained objective and tried to see the picture I was painting- Thank you for being honest & helping me understand my anxiety/triggers a bit more.

[Initials:MS]

Working Mother in Etobicoke, ON (Isaura)

~I needed another babysitter, while the one I had wasn't always available when needed (also was a plus that we lived together at the time). I was hesitant with accepting her offer to watch my daughter, as I was aware herself and child just left an abusive household and were still adjusting to be away from that environment. But I quickly came to realize, she is really a caring person who corrects her behaviour in-front of her child (talking to her child in a way that helps her understand, that she isn't upset with her but rather still working through some pain she has). From the experiences she has shared with me, I can acknowledge she is trying to be as gentle and reasonable as possible, but also wants to teach boundaries to her daughter; which is very important to learn from a young age. Despite my school-age child being aggressive with her daughter, resulting in Keke eventually refusing to care for my daughter, I knew she would follow my meal ideas for my daughter and do everything possible to ensure she got onto her class in the morning, dressed, etc. Did I mention she is a clean FREAK....like cleans continuously throughout the day! Kudos to her, as I am busy with two different careers and generally don't do so everyday. 

Family of 3-Brampton, ON (Sydney)

~I was in a bind for childcare, as I was returning to work after maternity leave, and sadly my childcare subsidy was a bit delayed. I messaged Nakitha if she was willing to watch my older son (school age) and my toddler (13 months) for two days and even though I thought she would say no, she agreed to! I picked her and her daughter up, as I planned for them to stay with us during those days to make it easier on my kids. She went above and beyond cleaning and making sure my kitchen was cleaned after every meal and children were happy and content. It's the little things that make a difference and Nakitha definitely pays attention to the finer details.

[Initials: SM]