S u c c e s s   S t o r i e s

Healthy Homes

Elizabeth* and her two children, ages 3 and 5, were referred to Healthy Homes after her husband (the children's father) was arrested and taken to jail on domestic violence charges. Elizabeth and her children had endured severe physical and emotional abuse prior to the arrest.

When a Healthy Homes Case Manager and Therapist first started seeing Elizabeth's family, they were living in fear. The children were physically aggressive towards their mother and with each other. They were hyper-vigilant and suffered from sleep problems such as insomnia, nightmares and sleep terrors. Elizabeth was overwhelmed and emotionally drained. In addition to ongoing court appearances for restraining orders, divorce, and other legal matters, there were two attempts to kidnap the children from the home by unknown individuals.

After three months of working with their Healthy Homes Therapist and Case Manager, Elizabeth's family has become much more stable. As a result of the support and education around Domestic Violence issues, Elizabeth was able to gain a better understanding of her children's behavior and implement new parenting skills to provide a safe, predictable and structured environment for her children. Her children have significantly reduced their aggressive behavior and have learned to identify and express their feelings more appropriately. Most importantly, Elizabeth has found the courage to begin to heal and utilize the resources available to her in the community. Elizabeth and her children are beginning to feel what life can be life without violence and see each day as an opportunity to start over.

Daybreak

Abby* moved into Daybreak to escape emotional and verbal abuse from her grandfather. Both of Abby’s parents died when she was young, and prior to moving into Daybreak, she was living with her paternal grandparents. Her grandfather severely physically abused her until, at the age of 12, she phoned Child Protective Services. The physical abuse stopped after CPS’ intervention, but the emotional and verbal abuse continued. At the age of 15, she decided to make some changes in her life – she enrolled herself in a college preparatory academic charter school and moved into Daybreak.

Before coming to Daybreak, Abby had been involved in a gang, fought frequently, and performed poorly in school. However, while at Daybreak, Abby raised her grades and procured a job in the internet industry utilizing her Spanish language skills. She always welcomed new youth into the program and built relationships easily. At her graduation from Daybreak, all the residents identified her as the first youth who made them feel welcome.

Abby is currently renting a room in the community as part of YFES’ shared housing program (THPP). She is a junior in high school and is working hard to maintain her grades so that she can achieve her goal of attending college.

First Chance Sobering Station

Hank* was admitted to First Chance on a DUI charge. It was his second DUI arrest in two years. Hank's first arrest was not a concern to him because the charge was dropped to 'wet and reckless.' Hank had hit a stop sign in a blackout but still did not believe he had an alcohol problem and he was sure he was not an alcoholic. He just "drank too much one night."

At his Intake, Hank was cooperative but very much in denial about the extent of his drinking. While resting in the dorm and lounge area of First Chance, Hank began to read the numerous pamphlets focused on alcohol-related issues. He read every one he could find.

At his exit interview, the counselor confronted Hank about his drinking. He challenged him to look at his drinking behavior. By the time Hank walked out of First Chance he had come to believe he was an alcoholic and that he should stop drinking immediately. He began to take responsibility for his actions and stated he would use his insurance to seek help. Hank agreed to have a First Chance Counselor follow up with him at a later date to see how he was doing.

During the first follow-up phone contact, Hank admitted to being a "binge drinker". He stated he had not had a drink since his arrest and had gone to at least one AA meeting every day. Even though he did $15,000 damage to his vehicle, he still feels great because he is not drinking and his life is getting better. Hank stated that because he did not want to risk his well-being and jeopardize other's safety, sobriety is his only option.

Several calls later, Hank related that he was continuing to attend AA meetings and was not drinking. During one phone call his wife answered the phone and stated that whatever Hank was told at First Chance had "saved their marriage." Their home life and relationship had dramatically improved, and she said "He's a different person." Hank and his wife attribute the change to First Chance's exit interview process. "It was very powerful and inspiring. Thank you First Chance."

G.I.R.L.S. Program

Ann* is a local high school student who had been experimenting with drugs and alcohol. Two years ago, her best friend Katie* and another classmate came to a sleepover party at Ann’s house, and they all took the drug Ecstasy. What they thought would be a fun time turned into a nightmare, as Katie’s body reacted badly to the drug. She first complained of headaches, then slipped into unconsciousness, and died several days later.

Two years later, Ann is living with the horrific memories of that fateful night, wondering if it would have ended differently if she had never taken drugs at all, or had she sought help from her parents, who were sleeping in another part of her family’s house through most of the ordeal. It is still hard for her to believe that her best friend is gone.

For her role in Katie’s death, Ann was incarcerated in Juvenile Hall and ordered to undergo treatment through Youth and Family Enrichment Services G.I.R.L.S program. In this intensive program, girls who have substance abuse problems receive counseling and case management services to help them understand the effects that drugs and alcohol have on their bodies, and how the choices that they make affect them and the people around them. Through the G.I.R.L.S program, Ann learned some powerful lessons:

“Back then I never thought twice. Whatever was in front of me, I did. I didn’t even think about it. When I did Ecstasy, all I knew was how good it made me feel. My dad had even warned me about drugs, because he had some friends who died from drug overdoses, but I never really thought anything bad would happen… Now, I learned from this program to say no, and none of my friends have offered me drugs since then because they know I’m totally against it. I’m clean and sober now. I always think twice.”

Participants in the G.I.R.L.S Program learn about self-esteem and accountability, and are encouraged to take responsibility for their actions. After Ann successfully completed the requirements of the program, she felt strongly that she wouldn’t be able to move on with her life until she was able to talk to Katie’s family. With help from her Probation officer, Ann voluntarily initiated mediation with Katie’s family, which was a painful but cathartic process for both sides.

Katie’s family had gone through many stages in their grief, beginning with the sorrow and anger at their loss, then a desire for retribution. By the time Katie’s older sister and caretaker agreed to meet with Ann, not only were they able to reconcile, but they agreed to work together to make sure that the tragic loss of Katie’s life would not be in vain. Together, Ann and Katie’s sister have begun speaking to other youth about the dangers of drug use.

The two recently spoke to a room full of incarcerated girls in Juvenile Hall, and Katie’s older sister had this to say about Ann:

“I give Ann a lot of credit, because she contacted me…She told me she made a mistake and was sorry. A lot of people say words are different than actions, but you know what, she said it in words and she’s taking action. She’s off drugs and she’s speaking out to other kids so that hopefully nobody will ever go through what I did losing my sister.“

*Names and identifying features have been changed to protect client confidentiality.