Courtyard Tenant Embarks on New Independent Living Journey
FORT WAYNE, In. -- Moving can be stressful. For 27-year-old Jasmyn Norfleet, moving day was bittersweet.
After living at The Courtyard, a permanent supportive housing complex located at 530 Home Avenue, for eight years, Jasmyn moved into her very own three-bedroom, single-family home in July.
Her transition is all part of the process of a local nonprofit organization. CHILL (Creating Hope, Instilling Life Lessons), Inc. is a social service agency for young adults age 18 to 25 who have aged out of foster care or are at risk of homelessness.
Jasmyn has been at The Courtyard since it opened in 2014. Before that, she moved through the foster care system. Labeled a “high-risk child” because of a mental illness, Jasmyn sometimes faced mistreatment from those meant to care for her. Her Department of Child Services Family Case Manager recommended Jasmyn apply to live at The Courtyard, thinking it would be a good fit.
“I needed to figure out how life worked. … The whole point of the building is to have a community,” Jasmyn said. Community is exactly what she found.
In the almost decade she spent there, Jasmyn connected with tenants, employees and even a furry friend, her orange cat named Leo.
The staff of CHILL and The Courtyard were with Jasmyn throughout the ups and downs of life, helping her transition from foster care and leaving an impression she won’t soon forget.
According to Jasmyn, interacting with CHILL Program Manager Dr. Endia Cassel is “like dealing with your best friend. She has your back. She’s just amazing, there’s no other word for her.”
As for CHILL Coach Lorraine Craig, Jasmyn said, “Miss Lorraine will tell you what’s up, but at the same time, she has that motherly complex. … She gives you all the love she can muster.”
While she’s excited to have her house, Jasmyn said she misses everyone at CHILL and The Courtyard.
“I have so many memories attached to that apartment,” Jasmyn said. “I keep waking up every day here thinking I’ll just walk down the stairs and see Miss Endia and hug her.”
Some fond memories Jasmyn has are of her time with The Courtyard’s Tenant Council. While on the council, Jasmyn was able to take on a creative role, helping organize events and decorate the complex. She also went with the council to serve on the Youth Action Board in Indianapolis.
The Youth Action Board is a group of teens and young adults from across the state who have experience with homeless. They serve as advocates, sharing their experiences, connecting with changemakers and providing feedback on issues affecting those that are homeless.
While Jasmyn is no longer able to be involved in the tenant council or the action board, she remains dedicated to helping The Courtyard and everyone in it.
“I’m glad I got the opportunity at The Courtyard. I want to see it succeed, I have so much heart for the complex,” Jasmyn said.
She encourages potential tenants and the community at large to get involved and give CHILL at The Courtyard a chance.
“Give them a shot. You don’t know what it’s going to be like … They help people,” Jasmyn said.
Life at The Courtyard has helped usher Jasmyn into a new chapter. One where she is on track to become a homeowner in a lease-to-own program run by Biggs Property Management, which also does property management for The Courtyard.
While Jasmyn often reminiscences on her time at The Courtyard, she’s looking forward to making her house a home, decorating it to her liking and soaking up some quality time with Leo.