Rosalind’s Story: Overcoming Obstacles and Dreaming Big

Rosalind with La Casa Norte’s CEO and Takeisha, LCN’s Drop-in Supervisor at our Summer Open Mic and Back to School Resource Fair.

Rosalind arrived at La Casa Norte in March of 2025 after years of family dysfunction and an extended experience of homelessness.  Rosalind’s journey began with a foundational need: stable housing.  

The Casa Corazon emergency shelter program at La Casa Norte provided Rosalind with a reliable place to sleep, eat, and regroup. This stability created space for healing, planning, and the pursuit of longer-term goals.  

With a safe place to stay, Rosalind was able to address the deeper challenges that preceded her arrival at La Casa Norte. She engaged fully in the agency’s holistic support services, including workforce development, dance therapy, peace academy, cooking classes, and weekly individual therapy.

Together, these programs supported her emotional well-being, built confidence, and strengthened her sense of purpose. 

Through therapy, Rosalind was able to process past trauma while also preparing for what’s next. During this time, she began to articulate a goal: pursuing a career in nursing, a meaningful path that felt deeply aligned with who she is. 

“Rosalind is such a sweet and compassionate person,” shared Maria, her case manager. “Patients will be lucky to have her by their side.” 

With additional encouragement and hands-on support from her therapist, Rosalind began the college application process. She received guidance with personal statements, application materials, and strategic planning to navigate a competitive admissions landscape.  

This consistent, personalized support helped her stay motivated and confident throughout the process. 

These efforts helped lead to a life-changing milestone: Rosalind’s acceptance to DePaul University.  

Rosalind’s journey demonstrates how young people can move from crisis to confidence when provided with comprehensive, client-centered support.  

"I am very grateful for the support I have received from La Casa Norte. Their mission to provide safety, stability, and opportunities for growth has helped me feel supported when I felt most alone. They showed me I didn't have to give up even in the hardest moments. La Casa Norte has given me more than a roof over my head, they gave me hope, strength, and the confidence to keep moving forward in my life." 

As she prepares to begin nursing school this winter, Rosalind carries with her the foundation she built at La Casa Norte and the relationships that helped make her success possible. She has told us she will continue to use La Casa Norte's resources and looks forward to applying for our education scholarship in the Spring!  

Her progress embodies the impact La Casa Norte strives to achieve every day, and the future she is building is a testament to what is possible when resilience meets opportunity.