Tyrena’s story is one of tenacious resilience. Between sleeping on trains and moving from shelter to shelter, Tyrena felt defeated and depressed, using alcohol to escape a reality that seemed unimaginable. But she chose to make a change.
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“This city will eat you alive.”
Tyrena describes being homeless in Brooklyn as “unimaginable.” It was a situation she would never have thought she’d find herself in. Between sleeping on trains and going into shelters, Tyrena felt defeated and depressed and used alcohol and other substances to escape her reality.
Her decision to get help and go to rehab was one that changed her entire life. Tyrena’s rehabilitation program introduced her to Back on My Feet, which she initially embraced as an opportunity to lose weight and get a break for a few hours from her rehab program. But she soon realized the true benefit of the program was the community that comes along with it, “Back on My Feet is full of such genuine people who listen to you and treat you like a human being, not just someone who’s addicted. I felt welcomed and celebrated.”
Tyrena says she has always been resilient, but she needed help to embrace the spark that she didn’t realize was there to help it grow. Back on My Feet taught her that the resilience from one positive change can grow until you are ready and able to charge of your entire life.
“Although it takes time, the key is persistence. The key is to keep going. I think I’ve taken that resilience from walking to running and learned to implement that in other areas of life.”
After receiving paralegal training through Back on My Feet’s support, Tyrena has now been employed for two years, been promoted, passed the LSAT with flying colors, and is now waitlisted at six law school programs. She has a passion for civil legal aid and is hoping to use her new life and skills to help others.
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Dexter grew up in a tight knit community in Guyana, a country that still criminalizes homosexuality. After coming out as a teenager, Dexter was kicked out of his family home and brutally attacked in the streets. Needing to find safety and to live his truth, Dexter immigrated to the U.S. in 2016 and used his culinary arts experience to become an assistant baker in New York City.
While living in New York City and applying for asylum, Dexter was injured on the job at a bakery. Without a steady paycheck and unable to pay his rent, he found himself without a home. Dexter entered the New York City Rescue, nervous about his future. It was at this point, without resources and feeling lost, that Dexter joined Back on My Feet.
The morning circle-ups allowed him to meet more people and to learn more about the city. He also says they were the first time he “ever knew tolerance.” From career development workshops to financial literacy, Dexter learned valuable information to help him secure a home and another job.
Despite everything, Dexter doesn’t regret his challenges, “My journey was really hard, but worth it. I’ve been able to help so many people. The brotherhood and sisterhood of Back on My Feet is just incredible. Five years ago, I came to Back on My Feet, and still I have a real team behind me all the time. It’s a real family.”
Since joining Back on My Feet, Dexter has been granted asylum, purchased a house, and now works as a hiring manager for a national healthcare company. He has also dedicated his life to lifting up others, working part-time as an EMT and volunteering with Caribbean Equality Project, an organization that advocates for LGBTQIA+ black and brown Caribbean persons.
Dexter boldly empowers others every day, helping those seeking asylum in the U.S. with documentation, housing, and their careers.
Back on My Feet does things differently. We meet each morning to run or walk together. It’s simple and it works. It’s about building good habits, growing resilience, and developing commitment. Self-esteem grows, hope returns, and suddenly the future looks different.
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