The hidden homeless

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What do most teenagers care about?

Dating and getting keys to that car.

Leila Jakupovic is just content having a place to call home.

Living in Bosnia, her father fought in the country's Civil War during the 1990's, and after a stint in England, the family moved to America 12 years ago, eventually planting roots in Iowa.

But while in Des Moines, rebellion took hold, and barely 17, the girl was getting herself into a little more trouble than usual - cutting classes and fighting, ultimately getting expelled.

"I was doing some things that I'm not proud of," Leila said. "During the second semester of my junior year I had less than four credits, so I knew I had to get myself figured out."

Marshalltown was the location of choice toward a fresh start and here, the family moved.

But as the high school student was adjusting to a life of teenage normalcy, her father was unable to attain financial stability, thus choosing relocation back to the Des Moines area.

"My dad always worked very hard, but when it came to family he really didn't know what to do," she said. "Life was hard."

And Leila feared entrance back into the negative realm of once she lived.

"I wanted to stay in Marshalltown - my parents had to understand that I needed to go to school and I was doing well here," she said. "My mom cried and I had no idea what I was going to do or where I was going to go, but I just knew I couldn't go with them."

Having nowhere to partake of the night's sleep, one of her friends eventually offered a bed while she attended classes faithfully "and did what I had to."

It was then that faculty members at Marshalltown High School contacted Marshall County's Youth & Shelter Services, introducing her to something called Independent Living.

The program serves single youth and young adults 16 through 25 who cannot reside safely with a relative or have no other secure arrangement. The design provides a stable environment with supervised apartment living, allowing independence - and a chance.

"The dwellings are HUD funded, we pay rent/utilities and in turn they need to work, go to school, follow our rules and curfew," said YSS Director David Hicks.

And while Leila's situation is unique of her own accord, it is also reflective of many - over 50 percent of those in homeless families are children, therefore creating a product of his or her own environment.

"You try to replicate the family you grew up in, so like it or not, if that's what you know that's what you do," Hicks said. "How does one know not to do something unless there's positive reinforcement or someone in school to offer support?"

According to Case Manager Pat Kremer, Leila is one of many young adults with homeless tribulations and she has done a remarkable job taking advantage of resources available, having been part of the program for almost a year.

"I wouldn't have had anywhere to go," she said. "I'd be in Des Moines and who knows what would have become of me."

The young woman has started working at Glenwood Place Retirement Community as a Certified Nurse's Aid - and she is also the proud owner of her very first car, received from a cousin on her 18th birthday in September.

"Leila has a great support system, especially at the high school, and she knows how to use it," said Kremer. "I think she's doing very well, and of course, will have her ups and downs like any other teenager - but things are going really well for her right now."

Next spring, Leila will have earned the credits needed to graduate on time, and her master plan involves entering the Marine Corps, going to law school and then receiving a Doctorate in Political Science.

"I feel pretty good about myself now - I've worked really hard to get where I am and it's paying off," she said, displaying a slight smile. "And there are a lot more things I'd like to do."

Leila's story is being told in recognition of National Homeless Awareness Month during November.

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Contact Tammy R. Lawson at 641-753-6611 or tlawson@timesrepublican.com