Some Success Stories

Residential program, caring and courage lead to a new home

All Michael wanted for Christmas was a home, and his wish finally came true. Abused, neglected and abandoned as a small child, he was angry and scared. He spent 18 months in St. Aemilian-Lakeside’s residential treatment program, where therapists and other staff dedicated a lot of time and compassion helping the boy to find a better way of thinking about his life. Then he found a foster home.“I have found that friendship and courage are the main things,” Michael said. “It’s courage to think about life after here … When you have the courage to feel it when you feel it, to put it out there, well, good will come to you.”

Focus on hope helps her to keep moving forward

At age 22, Princess Shealy already has endured homelessness, domestic abuse, trying to raise two young daughters alone and struggling to stay on top of depression. She found help through St. Aemilian-Lakeside’s Youth Transitioning to Adulthood Scholars and Youth Moving On programs, both for former foster children.“I know you have to crawl before you can walk and that I have to take it one day at a time,” she said. “I have learned the reality is that I can’t gain hope if I don’t step out and build my own direction. I learned that no matter what other people say or think of you, I can never give up on myself.”

Personal understand leads to helping others

Jim Sabatke is recovering from bipolar disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. He has traveled a long and painful road and now, as a peer specialist at Friendships Unlimited, is reaching out to other people with mental health concerns. The program trains and matches people like Jim who are far enough along in their own recovery with those who remain in greater need.“You have to be genuinely caring to do this job,” Jim said. “You draw on your own experiences and share what may work . … It’s never over for us (peer specialists). But this contributes greatly to my own recovery process. I now focus on what I can do in a meaningful way in my life.”

Services for former foster youth give him purpose

Ricky Carter, a former foster youth, has received housing and supportive services – including job shadowing at a radio station — from the Youth Moving On program of St. Aemilian-Lakeside. Ricky had trouble in his past, but he said YMO gives him purpose and helps him to stay on the right path.“Anything you can give me to help me stay out of trouble is good,” Ricky said. “Life’s not something you play around with, because you never know what the next day’s gonna’ bring. With this program, I’m finding the right way.”