A teenager is thanking a Kansas nonprofit for helping her get on the path to success.
“I don’t think I would have half the stuff I have without being a part of EmberHope,” said Hannah Gremillion.
EmberHope Youthville, located in Newton, is a nonprofit faith-based agency committed to inspiring change in at-risk youth and families.
Gremillion, 19, was introduced to the organization during her senior year of high school when she entered its foster care program.
“They all are a big help to me. The last two placements I had, I still have contact with them,” she said.
Gremillion moved to Kansas from Louisiana when she was 15 years old.
“It went back and forth with my parents in and out of the picture,” she said. “Drugs were a main factor and our financial stability.”
At age 13, Gremillion started waitressing to help her family pay the bills. She said it got to the point where she had to choose between school and work.
“I was either going to have to drop out of high school or pick up more hours and stuff,” Gremillion explained.
That’s when a friend in Kansas called.
“One of my friends bought me a bus ticket to come visit her for the summer and I found out that in Kansas I was considered homeless in the school system,” she said.
Gremillion eventually moved in with that friend and her family. About a year later, she moved in with her first of three foster families.
“I tried to be as respectful as possible just because I was in a stranger’s home. It was all very new to me. I was very fortunate to get placed with the people that I did,” she said.
Gremillion still has contact with two of her foster families. She said thanks to the families and EmberHope Youthville, her life is on track.
“They helped me out a lot. The car they donated to me was a very big part of it,” Gremillion said. “They helped me out with personal hygiene items. I mean toothbrushes, toothpaste, stuff like that when I started getting into college and stuff on my own. People donated clothes. I had a lot of support, case workers were very personal.”
Gremillion credits EmberHope Youthville for helping her graduate high school and become a student at Wichita State University.
“Just a few years ago, I never thought I would actually even go to college, just financially, I didn’t have the money for that,” she explained. “I have a lot more opportunities open up, just scholarship opportunities, family opportunities. I have people that you know took care of me,” Gremillion explained.
Gremillion is a sophomore at Wichita State. She wants to pursue a career in the medical field to help others.
She said she’s learned a great deal in her 19 years and encourages everyone who may be going through a difficult situation to remain positive.
“Everything gets better, but you have to do it for you,” she said. “I spent a lot of time worrying about people who weren’t even in my life and how they affect me and how my future will affect them. It’s all for you.”
