I am a former homeless youth and alumni for the Youth Success Project. I experienced homelessness at the age of 17 for a total of two years before I became connected with waypoint to secure stable housing. I now am a mother of a three year old and hold two degrees, an associates degree in Addiction Counseling and a bachelor's degree in Human Services. I am now pursing my last and final degree for a masters in Criminal Justice and working my dream job as a substance abuse counselor working with criminal offenders in reentry.

Maddie (she/her) is a youth leader and founding member of the Youth Success Project (YSP). She holds the “youth with lived experience” voting position on the Balance of State Continuum of Care’s Executive Committee and co-chairs the Youth Subcommittee. She has been an integral part of the YSP’s efforts to carry out and execute the Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program (YHDP) grant in the Balance of State. Maddie was born and raised in rural New Hampshire and is leading YSP’s efforts to expand their work into rural parts of the state. She graduated from the NH Coalition to End Homelessness’s Granite Leaders Program in June of 2022. Maddie also serves as the director of the DCYF youth action board and is working to elevate youth voice and lived experience within that system.

Manni is 23 years old and became a member in early 2022 after Stepping Stones Drop-In Center in Nashua told him about the Youth Success Project. Manni has been homeless in the Nashua area for a few years and is hoping to go to college in the Fall!

Ariel Hayes (she/her) grew up in Arizona and has degrees in Gender and Women’s Studies and Public Health from the University of Arizona. Ariel is passionate about grassroots advocacy work, community building, social justice, and youth empowerment. She was a voting member of the Youth Success Project before stepping into the Director role.  

Heyo! I’m Jackson, I first experienced homelessness at the age of 6 years old with my family and went to 7 different public schools growing up. In high school I was on the football and wrestling team. After I graduated high school, I unfortunately experienced homelessness again. I was accepted into Waypoint's Transitional Living Program and built my life up from scratch. Now I have support in my personal life, role models to look up to and, most importantly, I found my purpose. I’m looking to end the experience of youth homelessness. It is no child’s fault that they are homeless.

Britt (she/her) is originally from Rochester and experienced homelessness as a minor and as a young adult. She was housed through Waypoint’s Rapid Rehousing Program and is now a member of the Youth Success Project. Britt likes working as part of a team with other YSP members to make a difference in the lives of other youth and young adults experiencing homelessness.

Celene (she/her) is 23 years old and was born and raised in the Nashua area of New Hampshire. She first experienced homelessness while attending university, which caused her to leave college early before completing her bachelor's degree in Women’s Studies. Celene experienced homelessness in the Tri-City area of New Hampshire and is now working on building her community and stability. Celene is passionate about LGBTQ+ rights and representation, enjoys creative writing, and social justice work.

Suzie is 24 years old and a member of the Youth Success Project. Her experience with homelessness began when she was 17 years old and was kicked out by a parent. Suzie has been homeless for 4 years and struggled with substance use disorder as a direct result of her homelessness. She is now housed, in recovery, and working towards her Bachelor's Degree in Psychology. Suzie hopes to positively affect change in New Hampshire so future generations don’t go through the same experiences that she did.