Father Paul D. Seil learns more about the TRY Program as he cooks with Estefania, a resident, and Sister Janet DiPasquale, the executive director of the program.

The Teaching and Restoring Youth program, or TRY program, has been serving young women in Buffalo since 1997. TRY offers a safe, structured environment to women between the ages of 16 and 21 who are homeless and who have suffered abuse, violence and victimization. The TRY program provides access to education, health care, counseling and job training.

"Working as executive director for the TRY Program has been such a gift to me," stated Sister Janet DiPasquale, SSJ. "I have had the opportunity to work with a wonderful staff, as well as, be present to so many courageous young women. Over 350 young girls have entered the TRY program during my tenure. They have given so much to me, more than I can give them. I am so honored to work with them."  

The mission of the TRY program is "to empower committed young women to rebuild their lives and become productive members of society."

"They help you to learn to take care of yourself. They teach you how to be independent and to start doing things for yourself, so when you get out into the real world, you know the basics of life," said Estefania, a resident in the house.

"I was feeling stressed and alone. I was feeling like no one could understand the situation I was in. Then at school, I heard about the TRY program and was referred to them. I am so glad I found the TRY house. I think of it as a new place to start my life. It's really a nice place to be. If I didn't find the TRY house, I don't know what I would be doing now," Estefania continued.

To find out more about the Teaching and Restoring Youth program, tune in to "Our Daily Bread," hosted by Father Paul D. Seil on Saturday, March 11, at 6:30 a.m. and noon on WKBW-TV Channel 7. On the menu: Father Seil's rustic whole wheat raspberry crostata, Sister Janet's quick chili and Estefania's beef and potato pastelitos. All the day's recipes can be found at www.odbtv.org and entire "Our Daily Bread" shows can be viewed on the Daybreak TV Productions YouTube channel.