Sharlyn* is resourceful, intelligent, hardworking, and a fierce, loving parent to her young daughters.
Sharlyn first connected to LCYC at 16 years old when she needed help resolving a juvenile criminal case. Months later, when she was scammed and illegally sold a bad used car, her teacher suggested she talk to a lawyer. Connecting again with an LCYC attorney, Sharlyn was able to return the car to get her hard-earned money back. Despite her struggles, she completed her classes and graduated from high school, while juggling employment.
After graduating, Sharlyn became pregnant with her first child and searched diligently for a better paying job to provide for them. During her job search, she unexpectedly learned that a prior criminal conviction was not sealed automatically as it should have been when she turned 18. Understanding the uphill battle she faced in finding employment with a record, Sharlyn reached out to her LCYC attorney for options. Her LCYC attorney stepped in to help seal her juvenile record so she could get hired.
While working to secure financial stability, Sharlyn located and enrolled in a housing program for young mothers. Unfortunately, navigating the rules and systems for public housing is not easy, especially as a young black mother who regularly experiences racism and ageism. When she felt like she was being treated unfairly by her landlord, Sharlyn contacted her LCYC attorney who worked with the landlord and Housing Authority to guarantee her a fast move to another home.
After moving, Sharlyn encountered another safety issue accessing reasonable accommodations for her unit. To make sure she was taking all the right steps to resolve the issue with the property manager, she reached out to her LCYC attorney. While her attorney offered advice and supported Sharlyn in meetings with her property managers, Sharlyn led her own advocacy and was able to move into a new apartment. On top of dealing with this issue, Sharlyn’s car broke down and made it hard to travel from her job. Luckily, LCYC was able to give her a hand and help get her car fixed.
Nothing came easy for Sharlyn – finishing school, working while being a single mother, finding housing, finding childcare, accessing transportation – but each time she encountered a hurdle in her life, she sought strength in herself and looked to her family, friends, and community, including her attorney, to get the support she needed to move forward.
*The client’s name has been changed to protect their privacy. LCYC was given permission to share their story.