In 2015, Brintha was diagnosed with Lupus, an autoimmune disease that causes the body to attack its own healthy tissue. The diagnosis was difficult, and Brintha was struggling with her mental health. Feeling like she couldn’t cope, Brintha dropped out of high school and stopped aspiring to anything.
“After my diagnosis with Lupus, life presented itself with so many changes and I had a really tough time navigating those changes, along with the emotions that came with it,” said Brintha, “I saw my disability as a limitation and I didn’t see much purpose to my life.”
Things began to turn around when she connected with LOFT’s Transitional Aged Youth (TAY) Program. It became a safe space where Brintha could be vulnerable, talk openly and get support.
“The LOFT team helped me build on skills that I never knew I had, and supported me through every step of my recovery. It was definitely a learning curve for me, and throughout the whole process I worked on my own self-growth and was able to re-discover myself.”
With LOFT’s help, Brintha began to plan for her future: She successfully completed high school, and went on to college where she completed a Social Service Worker program. Her journey with LOFT didn’t end there: Brintha has come full circle and, thanks to the support and generosity of our donors, she is now employed by LOFT as a Peer Support Worker.
Brintha wanted to give back to the community that once supported her. Today, she provides emotional and social support to other young people in the TAY Program.
“My journey so far has definitely had its highs and lows, but I’ve learned to appreciate each day and embrace the changes that come my way. I am excited to see what else the future holds for me.”
LOFT’s Transitional Aged Youth (TAY) Program provides housing, one on one care, drop-in social support, mental health and peer support, and group therapy for youth under 25 who live with mental health, physical health and substance use challenges.