Five young adults who have overcome homelessness were honored Friday at a graduation ceremony for the Tulsa Day Center’s Youth First Rapid Rehousing program. The event, held in Tulsa, highlighted the program’s success in moving participants from housing insecurity to self‑sufficiency.
From Crisis to Certification
Graduate Cierra Manning described her journey: “Honestly, I never thought I would be here. Just being a single mom, really young, with two boys.” Two years ago, Manning and her children faced homelessness after leaving an unsafe relationship. Today she has stable housing and has earned healthcare certifications, positioning her for a brighter future.
Program director Michelle Pearson explained the mission: “We help them become more self‑sufficient—whether that means going to trade schools, earning high school diplomas, or working full‑time.” Youth First serves young adults ages 18 to 24, providing housing assistance, case management, and connections to education and employment resources.
Graduates Share Their Stories
James, another graduate, pursued a career in security through Job Corps, noting that the program “helps you get into housing, helps with case management, helps you get to doctor’s appointments, schools.”
Milo, who spent years couch‑surfing, now has an apartment, a job, a car and is attending college for gaming. “I went from not knowing if I was going to be homeless to maintaining a job, having a car, being in college for gaming,” he said.
Program Impact and Future Goals
The federally funded Youth First program currently serves 90 young adults. 2026 marks the Tulsa Day Center’s fourth year in the initiative, and staff hope to graduate all participants eventually. The program’s comprehensive approach—combining housing, education, job training and life‑skill coaching—has proven effective in breaking the cycle of homelessness for these five graduates.
Community members and local partners praised the program’s outcomes, emphasizing the importance of stable housing as a foundation for personal growth and family stability. As the graduates move forward, they serve as role models for other young people facing similar challenges.
How to Learn More
For additional information about the Tulsa Day Center and the Youth First Rapid Rehousing program, visit the center’s website.
Original reporting: KTUL 8 (Sinclair) – local — read the source article.
