Alicia* is a creative and resilient young person who enjoys shopping for clothes, playing Fortnite and Roblox, and dreaming up plans for the future. One of Alicia’s biggest dreams is to start her own business offering waxing and facial services. She’s been researching online esthetician courses and thinking about how she can turn her skills and interests into something empowering – not just for herself, but for others, too. For Alicia, starting her own business is about building something all her own and taking back control of her life.
Alicia had been staying at a youth shelter on and off for a couple of months when she connected with LCYC’s Youth Homelessness Program in Skagit County. Alicia was navigating an unstable housing situation caused by her parents and wanted to know her legal rights. Alicia faced the possibility that her parents would try to remove her from the shelter at any moment. Without anything protecting her, that uncertainty hung over her like a cloud. At times, she moved between the shelter and her older sister’s home for security. Her sister became a constant and reliable source of support – someone who showed up when others didn’t.
With help from her LCYC attorney, Alicia was able to take legal steps to protect her safety and well-being. LCYC worked with her to obtain a civil protection order against both of her parents, which the court granted for one year. This protection order finally lifted the cloud that hung over Alicia. Next, Alicia and her attorney began the process of seeking a minor guardianship so that her sister could become her legal guardian. While that case is still in progress, Alicia is already living safely with her sister in a home that gives her structure, peace, and the chance to start fresh.
For Alicia, that legal protection and support brought real relief. She no longer has to worry about her parents unexpectedly showing up or disrupting her life. That shift – going from constantly looking over her shoulder to finally feeling safe – has made a world of difference. Still, it hasn’t been easy. Alicia admits that it’s painful knowing that the people who hurt her are also the people who were supposed to care for her.
Alicia’s currently focused on restarting her life. Living with her sister has allowed Alicia to catch up in school, build healthier friendships, and explore the things she wasn’t allowed to do before – like working toward her dream business. Her parents used to control nearly every part of her life and now, Alicia has the freedom to explore who she wants to be.
Her biggest goal is to complete an online certification program to become an esthetician and launch her waxing and facials business. She’s already thinking ahead; once her business is up and running, she wants to move into an apartment with one of her close friends.
Alicia knows the road hasn’t been easy, but she’s grateful for the support she’s received – from her sister, her shelter advocates, and her legal team. With her safety no longer in question, Alicia is finally free to focus on what really matters: rebuilding, healing, and moving toward a future that’s entirely her own.
*The client’s name has been changed to protect their privacy. LCYC was given permission to share their story.