Meet Annaye | Staff Spotlight

At Youth Emergency Services (YES), we meet youth where they are. Our Housing Case Manager, Annaye, ensures this. In fact, that’s how she describes her role at YES.

“Wherever [a youth’s] need is at, that’s what I’m here for.”

From day 1, Annaye is present for our youth. For every young person who seeks out YES’ long-term housing services, Annaye guides them through our intake process, brings them to one of our housing properties, and helps them move into their temporary home—all to ensure their first week with YES is a welcoming one. But her work doesn’t stop there.

Annaye continues to support YES clients as they navigate their way through our Transitional Living Program (TLP)—one of YES’ two long-term housing programs. TLP provides youth with up to 18 months of residence in independent living-style apartments and the opportunities to learn life skills and set personal goals, which means regularly meeting with case managers like Annaye.

“I love to see the progress of the youth,” she said. “I love seeing their growth from where they were.”

Every week, Annaye meets with clients to discuss progress on their goals, check in about their experience with the YES program, and, put simply, talk about life. More than meeting essential needs, the housing case manager forms genuine connections with the youth she serves. The key to this, Annaye says, is first to build trust.

“Building trust with youth is a major part of my role,” she explained. “It’s really important because a lot of them have gone through so much—to the point that it’s hard for youth to believe in other people, to believe that [YES is] there to help them.”

This trust Annaye creates with clients allows her to truly meet youth where they are—no matter their background or needs. This trust allows YES to equip Omaha’s young people with the tools they need to survive and thrive in our community.