Alumni Talk About What’s Important To Them Today

This article appeared in the Summer 2014 News from the Village.

“Most importantly, I feel safe.”
24-year old Nicole* called CV’s runaway and homeless shelter this month to make a clothing donation. She explained that she wanted to give back to the shelter because when she was 18 growing up in Rockland County, she needed help and “thank goodness you had room!” Nicole said she thinks of her time in the shelter often and said, “It really made a difference in my life.”

Today, she told us, some troubles remain, but “I have a boyfriend who is committed and supportive and, most importantly, I feel safe.” CV’s Sanctuary is the only runaway and homeless shelter for teens in the Lower Hudson Valley.

*name changed to protect privacy

“Most importantly, I’m happy.”
Tyheim, who was at CV in the 1990s and now works as a caseworker, posted on our Facebook page saying, “Because of CV, I am the person I am today! While there I learned and experienced things that shaped me into the intelligent, caring and kind man that I am. I will never forget CV. Those were the worst and best 9 years of my life. You guys do an excellent job, especially Danielle Gaffney, THE BEST SOCIAL WORKER I HAD. Keep up the good job. [sic]”

Ms. Gaffney, now the Assistant Vice President for Community Foster Care, laughed and remembered Tyheim as a teen who gave her a memorably tough time. The two are scheduled to reacquaint over lunch.