Youth Spotlight: Vono

Vono started coming to the CHIL Drop-In Center (YDC) in July 2024 and moved into our interim housing program in September 2024. In July 2025, he took a major step forward and moved into his very own apartment. Below is a recent conversation with him about his journey: 

Q: Can you tell us a little about yourself? 

Vono: My name is Vono, I’m 20. I’m from a little bit of everywhere, I don’t really have a place I’m from, but I was born in Iowa City. 

Q: What brought you to Covenant House Illinois Vono: I came to CHIL 'cause my foster dad died and my foster mom started being abusive. DCFS said I had nowhere to go, so I had to go to the shelter. I found out about CHIL from random youths that went there and from Safe Haven Shelter. I started coming to CHIL around August, two months after my foster dad died, after my 18th birthday.

Why this matters: Vono's path is, unfortunately, not uncommon. Many youth who age out of foster care end up facing housing instability and homelessness. Around 1/3 of the youth who come to CHIL have a history in the foster care system.

Q: What was life like at CHIL? 

Vono: For me, life at CHIL was kinda easy yet hard ‘cause I didn’t trust people. But yet again, I always make people smile due to my humor. 

Q: Was there anyone at CHIL who made a big impact on you? Vono: To be honest, every staff had their own spin to things that gave me another way of thinking. But if I'm going to say anyone, it's Nyesha (CHIL's YDC Coordinator) and Chaz (Youth Engagement Specialist). They gave me an understanding of emotions and maturity in a different way.

Q: What's been the hardest part about adjusting? Vono: I'm still getting used to the silence and now having people to joke with. I'm used to roommates or at least my foster brothers or sisters around.

Case Manager Note: "Vono has taken an important step toward independence, and while it hasn't been without challenge, he's shown resilience and self-awareness along the way," says his case manager, Easton. "Moving into his own apartment is a huge milestone, and we’re proud of how he’s navigating this transition. Through CHIL’s aftercare program, he’ll continue to receive ongoing support (things like regular check-ins, help with budgeting, and connection to community resources) which are crucial in helping youth sustain their independence.”

Q: Who motivates you to keep pushing forward? Vono: My foster pops. He always wanted me to be better than what he was in his childhood, so I push to make him and myself proud.

Q: Do you have any advice you'd like to share with others? Vono: Be yourself no matter who is around. People are always going to say you're the problem 'cause in everyone's eyes there's always a bad guy. And when a situation happens, don't think about the situation, think about how you're gonna handle your emotions. 'Cause one emotion that slips up can lead to a bad misturn of things.

Q: What are your goals for the future? 

Vono: One of my goals is to move to Thailand and do Muay Thai up there, and also livestream playing games. I love to make people laugh. 

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We know that moving into housing is a huge milestone for our young people, but it can also be a difficult transition. Going from 24/7 care surrounded by staff and peers to suddenly living alone means having to figure things out in a whole new way. Even with case management and our aftercare services, it’s a big adjustment. Vono just turned 20 and is still growing and discovering what independence really means. That’s why CHIL’s support is so crucial—we’re specifically built to take care of young people during these pivotal years, helping them develop the skills they need to thrive. We’re proud of Vono for taking this step and continuing to move forward on his journey.