A Story of Resilience, Leadership, and Hope
When Mikayla arrived at Covenant House New Jersey in May 2024, she was determined not to let life’s obstacles define her future.
The loss of campus housing had left her without a stable place to live. She was pursuing her education while navigating the challenges of living independently and was not yet authorized to work in the United States. Like many young people facing uncertainty, she needed a safe place to regroup, refocus, and continue moving forward.
At Covenant House, she found that opportunity.
What began as a search for stability became the foundation for something much greater.
With support from Covenant House New Jersey and the Dove Learning Center, she continued her education, accessed healthcare and counseling, strengthened her communication and professional skills, and discovered new opportunities for personal growth. Surrounded by people who believed in her potential, she was able to focus on her goals and build a path toward independence.
Today, she is thriving.
Today, she is a third-year college student pursuing a double major in nursing and psychology. She currently lives in transitional housing through our Rites of Passage program while working toward complete financial independence. Having recently received authorization to work in the United States, she is actively seeking employment as the next step in her journey.
She is a third-year college student pursuing a double major in nursing and psychology, with a vision of building a career dedicated to helping others. She currently lives in transitional housing through the Rites of Passage program and is actively working toward complete financial independence.
But perhaps the most remarkable part of her story is what she chose to do next.
Rather than focusing only on her own future, she decided to help create brighter futures for others.
Youth Action Board
Through Covenant House New Jersey, she became involved with the Youth Action Board, a youth-led group that advocates for young people experiencing homelessness, housing instability, and other barriers to success. Her passion, dedication, and leadership quickly stood out. Nominated by her peers and elected by fellow members, she now serves as Chair of the Board.
In that role, she helps ensure that young people with lived experience have a seat at the table and a voice in the conversations that shape their futures.
She speaks about the challenges young people face, from housing and employment barriers to transportation, education, food insecurity, and mental health. More importantly, she champions solutions.
She believes that young people deserve more than awareness. They deserve real solutions.
“I want us to have the resources to do more than talk about the problems. I want us to have the ability to actually create programs, provide resources, and make a measurable difference in the lives of young people.” Mikaya
Her vision is simple but powerful: every young person deserves the chance not only to survive, but to succeed.
Today, she is pursuing her dream of becoming a nurse while continuing to advocate for vulnerable youth across New Jersey. She represents exactly what is possible when a young person is given the support, encouragement, and opportunity to realize their potential.
Her story is not simply one of overcoming challenges.
It is a story of leadership.
A story of perseverance.
A story of service.
And a reminder that when young people are given the tools to succeed, they can become extraordinary forces for change in their communities.
Your Support Makes Stories Like Hers Possible
Every day, young people come to Covenant House New Jersey seeking safety, stability, and hope. Because of compassionate supporters, they receive far more than a place to stay. They gain the resources, guidance, and opportunities needed to build brighter futures.
Today, one young woman is on her way to becoming a nurse, a community advocate, and a leader for her peers.
Tomorrow, there will be another young person waiting for that same chance.
Your generosity helps make those transformations possible.
