"I'm much stronger than I ever thought I could be."
When Lara Yovo was seven years old, she and her sister were placed in foster care. This means that child protective services temporarily placed the children in a safe place to protect them. “You’re actually only supposed to stay there for a few months,” she says. “But my sister and I wanted to—and were supposed to—stay together.”
A year later, it’s clear: The new group home (WG 2) in Biebrich will become her home and a place that shapes—and changes—her life. Today, Lara is 17 years old—and has spent more than half her life here. “I was lucky that I was able to stay here the whole time and didn’t have to move,” she says. “The shared living group means a lot to me. I can’t really imagine my life any other way.”
Settling In, Growing Up, Becoming Independent
What Lara has found here is much more than just a roof over her head. It’s a place where she’s been able to grow, step by step. From sharing a bedroom with her sister to having her own room on the upper floor—an area where young people are specifically prepared for independent living.
“Up here, we’re already closer to living our own lives,” she says. “You learn to take on more responsibility and become more independent.” This growth is evident in her daily life today: Lara is in the eleventh grade at a technical high school in Wiesbaden specializing in healthcare and is completing her one-year internship at a rehabilitation clinic. Working with patients, in particular, has had a profound impact on her.
“At first, I strictly followed the admission questionnaire,” she explains. “Now I’m able to really strike up a conversation and see the people.” She speaks with pride about what she’s already learned—even drawing blood is part of her routine now. “I’ve realized just how much I’ve grown.”
Strength doesn’t come on its own
The fact that Lara comes across as so self-assured and open today isn’t something she takes for granted. “I used to be extremely anxious,” she says. “I didn’t dare do almost anything—not even ride the bus.”
The path to greater confidence was a long one—and a conscious one. One step in particular was crucial: “When I was 14, I decided on my own to start therapy. Overcoming my fears was a long process.”
Her case manager, Nina Back, played a central role in this process. “She’s like a best friend to me,” says Lara. “She always supported me—doing everything that parents are supposed to do. She was a real help.” This illustrates what compassion and professionalism really mean: not just offering support, but empowering young people so they can make their own decisions and lead successful lives. The most important people in her life? “They’re my sisters,” she says, beaming.
Finding Her Own Path
Today, Lara describes herself as outgoing, thoughtful, and clear about her values. She speaks her mind openly—even when it gets uncomfortable. “If someone says something discriminatory, I call them out on it.” She’s also politically active, interested in social issues, and committed to promoting political education in her community. That’s why she finds the participation weekends at EVIM Youth Services so important. At the same time, she speaks openly about a topic that affects many—but is rarely discussed: life in youth services. “Many people don’t dare to say that they live in a group home,” she explains. “There’s still that stigma of being a ‘child in care.’” But she also finds it uncomfortable to be pitied. She’d also like to see more education in schools so that, for example, teachers don’t just talk about “parents” but also about “guardians.” For Lara, one thing is clear: silence is not the answer. “There’s nothing wrong with growing up in the youth welfare system. It’s not your fault. And there are so many positive stories.” Hers is one of them.
Besides school and her internship, music is an important part of her life. Lara writes her own songs, takes singing lessons, and has already performed on stage. “Music gives me stability and strength,” she says. She now shares her songs online as well—a step that initially took some courage. “I didn’t want to do that at first,” she says with a laugh. “But my friends pushed me to do it.”
A New Beginning—Step by Step
Lara still lives in the group home—her home. But the next step is already in sight: moving out, living on her own. She isn’t afraid of it. “I see it as a fresh start,” she says. “Step by step.” First, she wants to finish her vocational high school diploma, and after that, she might study media and communication—preferably in Berlin or Cologne. She doesn’t know exactly where she’ll end up yet. But there’s no doubt that she’ll forge her own path.
When Lara looks back on her life today, she draws a clear conclusion: “Everything I’ve experienced has made me the person I am.” There are many reasons why she is now a strong, self-reflective young woman. But one stands out in particular: the people around her who have accompanied her, supported her, and believed in her. And that is precisely what has created something that goes far beyond everyday life: self-confidence, new perspectives—and the ability to actively shape her own life. Or, as Lara puts it herself: “I’ve become much stronger than I ever would have thought possible.” (hk)