Category Archive

Success Stories

Cali

When I met Cali for the first time she was asking all sorts of questions and demanding that our staff call her “Baby.”  Her brother, Jamie, was kind, but often irritated or embarrassed by her behavior. Jamie had been reluctant to bring her to Study Table, but I insisted since she was seven years old and sitting home alone with her mean older brother, Matthew. Cali comes from a Spanish speaking home with 3 brothers whom she loves deeply. Her parents work multiple jobs, so she is often in their care. She is overweight and has a habit of hoarding

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Maria

Maria moved to WDM from Texas. She has five sisters. She and her youngest sister live at home. Maria’s father was brutally murdered by his brother. Initial contact with the family was negative as an older sister was engaged in domestic violence. Police provided assistance as mom locked Maria & her sister outside during the winter to protect them from the situation. Maria entered YJI for assaulting a police officer. She was difficult at school. YJI staff helped de-escalate things during the school day. Maria wouldn’t follow rules, skipped school, was argumentative and threatened to fight other students. Maria and her

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Tyrone

When we met Tyrone, we were unsure if he had the intellectual ability to participate in YJI. Tyrone was a 16-year-old African American boy who suffered from schizophrenia. He was referred to YJI due to an assault and he was using marijuana.   Tyrone was raised in a home with domestic violence and drug abuse.  Tyrone’s father is in prison for drugs. His mother was found dead hanging from a tree. Tyrone’s grandmother Jade, adopted and is raising all five children ranging in ages from 8-16 years old. All of the siblings have psychological/trauma issues. Jade is often overwhelmed.  Jade is

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Jessica

At Jessica’s first Youth Justice Initiative (YJI) circle she appeared to be uncomfortable, speaking very quietly and giving one-word answers to questions.  She did not appear to be engaged in the YJI process, but instead was going through the motions.  My impression is that Jessica and her immediate family members have had to spend a lot of time in “survival mode”.  There is a history of domestic violence.  They have lived in several states and, for a period of time, in a domestic violence shelter.  A car accident left Jessica’s mother temporarily disabled and with a permanent injury.  Jessica and her

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Darren

Darren was 15 years old and shoplifted. He was only allowed to leave the house to go to the grocery store due to COVID fears of his family. He wanted to go to school because his GPA was so low (.04), but his mother was hesitant and needed help with three younger children. The family was in chaos. After YJI started working with his family Darren was allowed to return to school and got connected to the success center and flourished. His family started communicating better. He began participating in activities like the school play.  Darren dreamed of being a

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