Older Youth Services – Shadari Gardner

Shadari Gardner is a voluntary service client that came to The Villages’ Older Youth Services program as a homeless youth. Shadari’s assigned Independent Living Case Manager was able to connect her with outside resources and assist with getting her set up in her first apartment with funds raised for Older Youth Services. During the process of getting settled into her new home, Shadari found out she was pregnant. Her Villages’ case manager jumped into action. She helped Shadari access several pregnancy resources, ensuring Shadari had a healthy pregnancy and birth. The case manager also lined up a therapist for Shadari, that she continues to see on a consistent basis. Shadari and her baby girl are both thriving, living comfortably in a safe apartment, and looking towards the future.