We recently received this note from Easha, a participant in the Drexel Trauma Intervention to Optimize PrEP Among Women Who Inject Drugs (TIARAS) program and resident of PPP’s Beacon House. She was unhoused when she entered TIARAS, but as a result of swift collaboration between TIARAS team member Tamica Matos and PPP housing case manager Ripley Nichols, Easha was able to enter emergency housing at Beacon.
I want to start off by saying hello to everyone. My name is Easha, a participant. I started the TIARAS program on April 30, 2023. To be honest, I only enrolled because of the stipends I was told I'd receive for taking my meds and showing up every day! I never could have imagined that the experience would change my life.
The women who run TIARAs are all amazing. Each one of them had a hand in my turnaround. I can’t thank them enough for going the extra mile. I mean, having to put up with my B.S. is more than anyone in their right mind should have to do but their commitment to help others is why I'm here today.
If you take anything from this, please know that I truly appreciate Prevention Point and TIARAS for everything they’ve done to help me and all that they continue to do. They are truly a blessing in my life and, I'm sure, many others.
Thank you, everyone.
Easha's team is hopeful for her future. Despite the many difficulties she has encountered in the past, Easha is optimistic and persevering.
“She has a great character and wonderful demeanor that engages people very easily,” Tamica said.
Ripley agrees. “I truly feel lucky to have met her and been able to work with her at Beacon House and at the main building. She is incredibly fun to talk to and adds a lot of personality to every room she is in.”
Monique Joosse, Easha’s current housing case manager, was happy to work with Easha after Ripley transitioned to a new role at PPP. “Easha is an absolute joy to work with! Every day when I arrive, she tells me ‘good morning’ and asks how my day was. She's always positive when I talk with her, very respectful, and kind.”
Everyone at Prevention Point Philadelphia and TIARAS is rooting for Easha, and will continue to support her in reaching her goals.