We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Shavon Saint Preux a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Shavon, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. One of the most important things small businesses can do, in our view, is to serve underserved communities that are ignored by giant corporations who often are just creating mass-market, one-size-fits-all solutions. Talk to us about how you serve an underserved community.
In the heart of Miami-Dade County, there lies an underserved community that has often been overlooked – youth who have aged out of foster care. These young adults, filled with dreams and aspirations, often find themselves on the brink of homelessness and lacking the essential support system they need to transition into independent adulthood. Saints House, a compassionate and community-driven organization, has emerged as a beacon of hope in this underserved community.
Statistics show that 20% of youth exiting foster care become homeless the moment they turn 18. Without a stable place to call home their journeys are marked by uncertainty, frequent moves, and a lack of consistent guidance facing the harsh realities of adulthood without the safety net most of us take for granted. Unfortunately this is the story of many in the underserved foster youth in the community, where the transition into independent living often leads to a perilous path of homelessness, unemployment, and despair. The lack of a support system and the absence of a stable environment make it overwhelmingly challenging for these young adults to break free from the cycle of adversity.
This is where Saints House comes in. With unwavering commitment and empathy, Saints House provides transitional housing, mentorship, coaching, and essential life skills to foster youth. Found by a former foster youth the organization has a personal dedication to filling the gap in foster youth support offering a safe and nurturing environment, they give these young adults the opportunity to regain their footing, pursue education and employment, and work towards their dreams.
Saints House serves an underserved community by recognizing the unique needs of foster youth transitioning into adulthood. They provide a lifeline for those who have aged out of the system, helping them build self-sufficiency, resilience, and confidence. By empowering foster youth, Saints House contributes to breaking the cycle of homelessness, reducing unemployment rates, and fostering a sense of hope and belonging.
In serving this underserved community, Saints House not only transforms individual lives but also exemplifies the spirit of compassion and community support. We understand that no one should be left behind, it is our commitment to foster the potential of these young adults resonating with our values of inclusivity and equality. In a world where underserved communities often struggle in silence, Saints House shines as a beacon of hope and a powerful force for positive change.
Shavon, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
My journey is one of resilience and triumph. Born in the Bahamas to Haitian parents, she faced discrimination and limited opportunities. After her parents’ passing, she entered foster care, enduring hardships but finding stability with her sister. Undeterred, I graduated high school and pursued a degree in Business Administration.
As a teen mom, she became a passionate advocate for foster youth, speaking at conferences and addressing systemic issues. My dedication earned my recognition and a commitment to community service. She excelled academically, earning degrees in Supervision and Management and Human Resource Management.
Defying expectations, I pursued a Master’s degree in Marketing and emerged as a dynamic professional. Her experiences shaped her belief in the power of resilience and inspired her to establish Saints House, a transitional housing program for foster youth. Through this program, she offers housing, wrap around resources, mentoring and hope for a brighter future. Saints house provides placement for young adults and their children and is currently the only transitional housing home in Miami Dade County that does so.
My life serve as a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the ability to overcome challenges. She firmly believes that with determination and resilience, one can turn life’s lemons into lemonade. It is now her life goal to be a change maker, helping improving the lives of youth transitioning from foster care in Miami Dade County.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
My journey is a testament to resilience and determination that inspires all who hears the story. My life began with challenges that would have overwhelmed many, but I emerged from the adversity with unwavering strength.
As a former foster youth I faced the turbulent and often uncertain path of growing up in the foster care system. At the tender age of 18, while still navigating the challenges of foster care, I became a teen mom. This unexpected turn brought its own set of trials and tribulations, as I balanced the responsibilities of motherhood and newfound adulthood with the need to build a stable future for myself and my child.
Despite facing these seemingly insurmountable obstacles, I was not deterred. Instead, I channeled my experiences into a deep passion for helping others facing similar hardships. With the spirit of resilience burning within me, I embarked on a remarkable journey to create Saints House.
Saints House is more than just an organization; it is a lifeline for youth aging out of foster care and a representation of my life journey of perseverance. My vision was to provide young adults with the support, resources, and stability I wish I had during her own tumultuous transition to adulthood. I know firsthand the isolation and uncertainty that can accompany this phase of life, and I was determined to make a difference.
Through tireless dedication and boundless resilience, I transformed my vision into a reality. Saints House came to fruition and became a place where young adults could not only find stable housing but also guidance, mentorship, and a sense of belonging.
My story is one of resilience that illustrates the incredible power of the human spirit to overcome adversity and transform challenges into opportunities for positive change. Through my journey from immigrant, orphan, foster youth to teen mom to the founder of Saints House, I have shown that resilience, determination, and a passion for making a difference can lead to remarkable achievements.
Shavon Saint Preux is not just a symbol of hope; I am a living embodiment of resilience, proving that no matter the obstacles, one can rise above and create a brighter future for themselves and those they serve
Have you ever had to pivot?
A few years ago, I had been deeply committed to my work at a local social service organization in her community. I had always been passionate about helping others and found immense fulfillment in my role, which involved providing support and resources to youth transitioning out of foster care who were in need. My dedication and empathy were evident to all who worked with me and I was well-respected in my field.
However, as the years passed, I began to see unmet needs within the foster care community that weren’t being addressed by the existing services. There was a growing demand for housing and larger numbers of unaccompanied youth experiencing homelessness. The issue weighed heavily on my mind, and she couldn’t ignore the call to take action any longer.
After careful consideration, I decided to pivot in my career and launch her own social service organization dedicated to supporting and providing transitional housing to youth aging out of foster care. The decision to leave my secure job and venture into the unknown was not an easy one, but I believed in myself and in the importance of addressing this underserved population and helping to meet their housing needs.
The journey was challenging. I had to navigate the complexities of establishing the organization, securing a home and funding, building a team, and developing programs tailored to the unique needs of the youth. I faced moments of self-doubt and uncertainty, but my passion and determination kept her going.
Over time, my efforts and organization grew, and my dedication began to pay off. I am successfully able to make a significant impact on the lives of former foster youth in my community, providing them with safe housing, access to education, and crucial support services. My ability to pivot in my career and launch my own organization allowed me to fill a critical gap in the social service landscape, changing the trajectory of countless young lives.
My story serves as a powerful reminder that sometimes, in order to create lasting change and address unmet needs, one must be willing to pivot and take bold steps. My transition from working at a social service organization to launching and directing my own was driven by a deep sense of purpose and a commitment to making a difference, and it ultimately led to a brighter future for those I serve.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.saintshouse.org
- Instagram: @saintshouse_
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shavon-saint-preux-m-s-83912012a
- Other: https://www.cbsnews.com/miami/video/fresh-start-for-youngsters-at-saints-house/