ROD's HOUSE BLOG - A Journey of Dedication to Young People

Staff Highlight:
Veronica Uribe at the Young Adult Emergency Home

Written by Valencia McNatt

One of the most fulfilling aspects of Veronica’s role is her interaction with the young adults and organizing memorable outings.

Veronica Uribe, a 35-year-old mother of two, serves as the Program Coordinator for the Young Adult Emergency Home in Sunnyside. Since joining Rod’s House in November 2022, she has transitioned from an on-call position to her new role: community outreach and engaging young adults through activities like video games, shopping, and sports. A recent highlight for Veronica was a trip to Leavenworth, which brought joy and a sense of adventure to the young people at the shelter.

Making a Life-Changing Difference

Veronica’s impact shows through the stories she shares. One shy young adult, who struggled with social interaction, found a safe space with Veronica. “We just clicked as soon as I met her,” Veronica recalled. “She felt comfortable, and it was nice to see her open up to me.” With Veronica’s support, this individual found employment and secured an apartment, now sharing her journey on social media to inspire others.

Another young adult arrived deeply depressed but transformed with Veronica’s guidance. After expressing an interest in soccer, Veronica helped connect them with a local coach, leading to a role as an assistant soccer coach. This connection to purpose brought remarkable improvement in their well-being. Veronica said, “You know, some people don’t realize the littlest things that you try to help somebody with can literally change their life.”

Reflections and Aspirations

Reflecting on her time at Rod’s House, Veronica shared, “I really love Rod’s House because of the opportunities to grow within the organization. They’ve always believed in me, they want me to grow, and they’ve allowed me to. The inspiration here is what I love the most.”

Looking ahead, Veronica aims to become a Substance Use Disorder Professional Trainee (SUDPT) at the new Hope Center to support young adults facing addiction. Outside of work, she focuses on self-care, spending quality time with her daughters, and attending school. She encourages those considering a career in youth services to believe in themselves and embrace every role.

( UPDATE: Since the completion of this article, Veronica Uribe was promoted from Program Supervisor to Program Manager )