As much as I love the program I live in and I love how much they have supported me...I recently found a success story
on me (name was changed for confidentiality reasons…) on the ACS website, I hate the fact that they would say this and
make it known or swear that I became this way because of ACS…that’s a lie! It was all because of my home Caravan
House; with out I wouldn’t have progressed as much as I did! I have included their “side” to the story!
Please
keep in mind that it was Caravan Staff that helped me to become this…and the point I am trying to make is that without
Caravan, I wouldn’t have a home, or any roots! C.H. is what helps me grow! Here is the story!
“These days, when the going gets tough at Caravan
House, staff members are likely to wink at one another and say, "Remember Samantha! "When Samantha* arrived
at Caravan House in late fall, she displayed what's known in professional jargon as oppositional defiant behavior. She yelled,
swore, ran away, vandalized, and lied to everyone, including and especially authority figures. It was this intolerable behavior
that eventually led to her being removed from the foster family where she lived and sent to Caravan House. After an initial period that was challenging to say the least, counselors put together a plan to help Samantha make
some changes in her life. She received a psychiatric evaluation, was put on appropriate medication, and given frequent reminders
of residents' rules and responsibilities.
As time passed,
Samantha gradually became less hostile and erratic, devised a plan to atone for the damages caused by her vandalism, and became
the kind of student teachers enjoy having in class. Impressed, Samantha's foster family asked if she could return to them.
Samantha was thrilled, but though Caravan House staff wished her well, they wondered if her departure might not be premature.
Several months later,
Samantha called, "It didn't work out with my foster family and I'm wondering if I can come back. Caravan House is where I
want to be. I need the structure it provides me." After a few phone calls and a meeting with Samantha's support team, she
was “home.”
Only a short time
has elapsed since Samantha's return. Already she is a shining example of the positive changes that can occur in a young woman's
life, given the right guidance and opportunities. She now encourages other residents to follow in her footsteps and is preparing
to graduate from Caravan House when the time is right. For now, everyone who knows her admires her many successes.
*Name changed to
protect confidentiality”
