A Story of Resilience, Leadership, and Hope
When Mikayla Foreman 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.
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.
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.
National Network for Youth
Through her journey at Covenant House New Jersey, Mikayla became actively involved in youth advocacy via the Covenant House International Youth Council and the National Network for Youth Council, both two-year leadership commitments. In these roles, she contributes to discussions and initiatives focused on improving the lives of homeless and at-risk youth and will have opportunities to participate in advocacy and networking in New York City or DC. These experiences allow her to represent youth perspectives, collaborate and develop skills in leadership.
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.
