Finding Community and Confidence: Stacy’s Journey with FLY  

When Stacy first heard about Fresh Lifelines for Youth (FLY), it wasn’t from a flyer or a school counselor—it was from a friend who had one simple pitch: they give out free food, and it’s chill. That was all the convincing she needed to check out FLY’s Law Program. What she didn’t expect was how much more she would gain from the experience.

Building Connections in a New Space

Initially, Stacy felt unsure about her communication skills since English was not her first language, but she soon realized that it was not an issue at all. Though she started off quiet, she soon became the funny one of the group, always making people laugh and bringing energy to every meeting. She also built friendships with her peers and formed close connections with FLY staff. Her Case Manager, Crystal, became a key source of support, helping her through some of her lowest moments and guiding her toward job opportunities. Even after Crystal moved on from FLY, they remained in touch–a testament to the strong bond they had built.

FLY also provided Stacy with practical support, assisting her with homework and career readiness. She appreciated the guidance, knowing it would help her prepare for her future.

Discovering New Opportunities

As Stacy became more involved, she participated in several FLY programs, including the Law Program, Leadership Program, Content Creator Fellowship, and the FLY Alumni Advisory Board. Josh, another FLY staff member, played an important role in helping Stacy feel comfortable at her very first Law Program meeting. During the first check-in, participants introduced themselves by sharing their names, pronouns, and one thing they disliked about school. This simple activity helped break the ice, creating a more relaxed atmosphere where friendships formed quickly. Later, Josh also encouraged Stacy to join the Leadership Program, where she continued to grow and thrive.

One of her favorite experiences was attending the Leadership Retreat, where she bonded with other youth while playing games, making slime, and singing karaoke. These moments helped her build confidence and feel truly connected to her FLY family. Through these programs, she gained valuable skills in leadership, confidence, and teamwork—lessons that extended far beyond FLY and into her future opportunities.

Finding a Passion for Creativity

One of the biggest impacts FLY had on Stacy was introducing her to photography through the Content Creator Fellowship. What started as an interest grew into a passion, leading her to take photography classes at Cañada College. The skills she developed in the fellowship also helped her secure social media jobs for the City of San Mateo, expanding her opportunities in digital media.

Looking Toward the Future

With a growing skill set and a strong foundation of support, Stacy is focused on continuing her education and building a career in photography and social media. She credits FLY for giving her the confidence and tools to pursue new opportunities and hopes to inspire other young people to explore their own interests.

Stacy’s story is a testament to the power of community, opportunity, and the lasting impact that FLY can have on a young person’s future. Sometimes, all it takes is a friend’s casual invitation to change a life.