For Yvenie, joining Best Buddies Living in Los Angeles has been nothing short of transformative. Before becoming a resident in January, Yvenie’s life was marked by instability and hardship. With no family support, she moved frequently from place to place, battling mental health struggles that eventually led her to live in a homeless shelter. She longed for a stable home, independence, and a sense of belonging. Best Buddies Living provided all that—and more.

“I joined the program in January, and before that, my life was a rollercoaster,” Yvenie shared. “I was living in a homeless shelter, and I had no family support. I felt lost, constantly moving with no place to call home.” Since joining Best Buddies Living, Yvenie’s life has changed for the better. She now has her own room for the first time in her life, along with a steady job and a supportive community. These newfound resources have helped her develop critical life skills and build confidence in her independence.

“I’ve learned how to be responsible and make sure my bills are paid. I’ve learned how to budget and save money,” Yvenie explained. “Having a stable place to live made a huge difference—I feel secure, and I know I have people around me who care.”

One of her favorite aspects of the Best Buddies Living program is the weekly group dinners. These gatherings provide a sense of family and connection that she deeply values. “There are tons of different personalities represented at dinner,” Yvenie said. “At first, I was nervous and didn’t want to talk, but over time I’ve learned to embrace everyone. Our weekly meetings and group dinners help you to be better.”

Reflecting on her journey, Yvenie encourages others with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to seek out supportive communities. “I want people with IDD to surround themselves with those who understand their disabilities,” she shared. “You shouldn’t feel bad because of your disability—you can still reach all of your goals and dreams.” Today, Yvenie’s story stands as a powerful reminder of how a caring community can change lives.

To learn more about Best Buddies Living, visit https://www.bestbuddies.org/california/living/.