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Support Ty's Journey to Independence and his Forever Home

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Hello, my name is Ty and if you know me I’m an advocate for quality of life and independent living. I’m a peer, a person with a disability and I like to do what I can by myself, but I do realize from time to time I need the help of others to pursue my goals. Today is one of those days. I’m very close to buying my dream house, which is near my family. I’m hoping that my friends and colleagues can help me out with just a few dollars to help me close the gap to my forever home. I’ve always believed with the right support anyone can achieve the life they desire and today I need that support. Please consider helping me!



If you don't know me, thank you for coming here and showing your support! Again my name is Ty and I rock Tye-dye. I’ve worked hard my whole life to beat the odds. See, I was told I had no future, that my life was not my own. I grew up in foster care, treatment centers, residential treatment facilities, and special schools. But I knew that is not who I was, I knew I could do better than collecting an SSI check and waiting for the next one to come. I’ve always believed with the right supports anyone can do what they want. I’ve learned how to harness my anger and use it as a passion to help others. I want to be that example of success and help lead the path for others. I was told there was no hope for me, that I had no future and that has driven me to prove those people wrong. I want to show that there is hope for everyone!



I was one of the first in the nation to be a Young Adult Peer Specialist (YAPS). I was trained by Nate Rockitter, and soon after helped him train other YAPS. As a YAPS I would help youth and children understand their paths in the mental health journey and help them better connect with their providers. I took a lot away from my mentor, that supervision is key, that we need to be in a good place ourselves to help others, and that. As a YAPS I quickly became a youth and young adult advocate. I fought hard for Youth rights and tried to bring other youth leaders to the table to share their experience and expertise. I would help people understand the Peer Perspective. I’ve shared my story across the nation giving hope to family members, help peers not feel alone, and helping providers better connect. I've done my best to grow and be self-sufficient, and I even graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Administering Non-profits for High Risk Youth. taking two of my passions youth and helping people and combining them into one degree. Now I just need your help to make the next step on my journey.


I’ve always fought for Quality of Life, if people are happy, they are healthy. Dignity of risk, a chance to fail is a chance to grow. Through community engagement we are stronger together. I’ve found a community that embraces those things and more. The Independent Living Community. My dream has always been to have a family and support that family. I love the Independent Living Community for that reason we help people be as Independent as they wish. So, I joined their ranks and today I work as an Independent Living Specialist helping my peers out but one thing I need to work on is accepting help for myself. Today, I’m asking for help. Please, if you can spare a few bucks or more, please consider using it here to help me.



My Family consists of my mom who is my pillar. She has been here for me my whole life who moved to southern Colorado. My Aunt also moved to southern Colorado. My Cousin who is currently out of state. My Adopted Family who moved out of state who I play games with still. Danny Boy my emotional support puppy who is no longer a puppy and my two kitties Ivy and Willow. I spend most my time volunteering, I’ve sat on numerous Councils and Committees, Board of Directors general volunteer work. When I’m not volunteering, I like to play board games, Dungeons & Dragons and Massively Multiplayer Online games with my family and friends.


Why this house? First off, it's close to my family. I can be near them to help, and they can help me. But this house is everything I want in a house, and I don't want to move just to move again. I've had way too many bad moves to want to move again. I want to build a home that lasts forever. I can see myself in this house. I can see a game room here, a spot for my mother to stay if she needs, a place to host my family and friends for holidays. I can live happily in the basement; I could stay cool and happy instead of suffering from the heat where I live now.
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    Organizer

    Ty Smith
    Organizer
    Denver, CO

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