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 friends were dishonest about their criminal activity. Maria became belligerent and assaulted SRO Richard Cuevas when he was escorting her to class. Maria’s victim is now her hero & biggest support. Maria realized the impact of her behavior. Her monthly Circle of four YJI volunteers, her mom, sister, teacher and Officer Cuevas encouraged her and held her accountable even though she wanted to quit and “just go to court.” 
YJI built a relationship with this family. It became clear that Maria’s youngest sister was also struggling. They were physically abusive towards one another. Maria’s sister met with a YJI summer volunteer and became open & comfortable with her place in the world. Once they stopped reacting to each others’ low moods, attended YJI’s Family Class and family coaching sessions, the family was able to listen to one another! They remained a support case for three additional months after case closure.
Maria developed a strong relationship with a retired teacher, Julie. Maria was deficient a math credit, so YJI collaborated with her school and developed a recovery credit option. She came to Study Table early. With Julie’s weekly assistance she began to progress. Maria did the on-line math program in study hall and before school.  She recovered her math credit early and achieved ten additional learning targets. Over the summer, Maria asked for Julie’s help to improve her math skills so they met weekly. Maria plans to go to college and become a police officer so she can be a role model for other Latina girls. 
Here is Julie’s snapshot of the last twelve months. 
“When I met Maria she had a tough exterior. She was guarded, hesitant & answered  questions with no thought or elaboration. I had my doubts about her success in YJI. I knew it would be an uphill battle to get her caught up academically, but with YJI’s support, I knew she could win the fight if she would just let us in.
I noticed an obvious change in her during Circles when she realized she was receiving support. She was more honest with everyone. She dressed up for Circles and her hair was done. She held her head a little higher and she smiled! She called to let me know that she had said some things she shouldn’t have, stormed out of class, or a conversation with someone she had a non-association with. 
Maria calls if she needs a ride to Study Table or basketball practice. She called one night because she was “bored”! She invited me to see “White Christmas” at the Civic Center. Today, she is comfortable with who she is and she apologizes for the “stupid things she used to say to those who cared about her.” She still can’t believe she really used to act that way! Seeing her accept responsibility for her old behavior is rewarding.”

– maria