Success Stories
All names have been changed for privacy reasons.
Amy's Story
THIS IS TESTIMONY ONE OF OUR YOUTH GAVE AT A LEGISLATIVE HEARING IN LANSING.
My name is Amy and I am 17 years old. I am very grateful for being able to live at Ozone's transitional living program, Miller House! As well as getting help from the rest of the people at Ozone.
I was first introduced to Ozone three years ago through a partial program that had learned of abuse going on in my home with my mother and brother. My dad hasn't been much part of the picture since my parents got a divorce when I was ten. If they hadn't gotten a divorce my mom probably wouldn't be alive today, because my dad beat her and sometimes threatened to kill her.
But my mom is an alcoholic. I had become homeless when my mom kicked me out during one of her insane drunken rages. By that point I was ready to go, I'd had enough of watching her downward spiral; drinking a fifth a night and trying to kill herself. I couldn't be a mom for her anymore.
I moved in with my boyfriend which ended up being abusive as well. I couch surfed with other family and friends for a while, but that didn't work for long, especially since there was lots of drug use in these places. Then I moved into Miller House.
At Miller House they just expect me to take care of me; I haven't had that opportunity my whole life!
Living there I have tons of great support. There's always good food in the fridge and staff at the house that I feel comfortable talking to, and who honestly cares. My Case Manager and Therapist help me set goals like getting a good job and going back to school, and any other goals I'd like to accomplish. I have seen lots of social workers in my life, but they were never able to help me, until now.
I am going to school, I just got a new job, and I'm in recovery. I have a sponsor and go to an AA meeting everyday. I have the chance to build stable and sober friendships, and to make a good life for myself.
With all the help that I have now I have tremendous hope that I can survive. Instead of feeling like life is eating away at me; and that my potential is going down the drain. Now I can give back to the community, and help others.
Its important to have some preventative measures, versus letting our problems run until we end up in jail or dead!
Youth are the future!
Kara's Story
Kara came to us at age 14 after running away from home for the third time. She was unwilling to return home and told us of a long history of physical abuse and neglect by her mother and step father.
Kara was severely depressed, not attending school, and had started using drugs. Kara told us that her biological father died in a car accident when she was seven, and that her mother seemed to forget about her after that. She also said her mom and step dad got drunk almost every night and when they did, they got really mean and violent toward her. She said she felt like she could never do anything right no matter how hard she tried.
With her parents permission, Kara stayed in Ozone House's Youth Shelter. She soon came to feel safe, expressing feelings of anger and sadness with counselors. Kara's parents attended family counseling at Ozone House, but were a long way from being able to be responsible and loving parents.
Through mediation with the family, Kara was able to go live at the home of her paternal Grandmother's, whom she had always been close to.
By providing her with safe shelter and intensive therapeutic support and care, Kara slowly began to come to understand her painful feelings and find ways to handle them without using drugs and alcohol. She is going to school again and reports being much happier at her Grandmother's house. But, perhaps most importantly, she is learning to love and appreciate herself and her abilities. After years of feeling isolated and alone, Kara joined the drama club at school and has made new friends.
Kara's story is typical of the youth we see young people who are hurt and alone in need of a second chance. We often find with the right kind of support and nurturing, even the most traumatized young people can reach their full potential for growth and happiness.
DJ's Story
DJ was kicked out by his mother after she remarried when he was 15. He went to live with his Dad who was a crack addict and they soon became homeless. DJ dropped out of school, used drugs with his Dad, and lived on the streets with him for over a year before he came to Ozone House. When DJ came to us he was angry and addicted. Although he never passed up the opportunity to balk at our rules he stayed at our shelter, eventually agreed to treatment and then moved into Miller House.
Though initially very resistant to therapy or “head jockeying” as he liked to call it, DJ became a successful participant in therapy and AA and moved into his own apartment after 18 months. After three years as a manager of a local fast food company, he became a salesperson for a phone company. DJ is still very connected to Ozone and visits frequently to share his successes and frustrations.
