Alex’s Success Story
Often kids experience severe trauma and are unable to feel safe and protected. Alex is a youth we are working with who was placed in the system.  He moved away from his caregivers to a rehabilitation center where he remained for over 20 months. Also, where he was victimized sexually. How can a child get better if they are not safe Alex’s behaviors escalated and providers were unwilling to give him an opportunity in treatment. We met with Alex to give him a chance.

From the very beginning of his stay with us the focus was on helping Alex stabilize and feel safe. In his first weeks he was at the emergency room approximately eight times for minor injuries, anxiety, a suicidal thought. Trying to get people to see how badly emotionally injured he felt inside.  

His family was facing financial difficulties but still made their way to Lincoln, selling their stove for gas money, to be with their child. While we were helping him gain emotional regulation, work on feeling safe and helping him feel a part of his treatment, we were also working with his mom ang grandmother to stabilize in our community. Providing financial and emotional support while they got moved into an apartment.  

The combination of family support, creating a safe environment and helping Alex be a part of his treatment and his future gave he and his family hope. Hope that he could be safe and resolve his trauma, hope that he could be successful and hope that he would return home again.   

The hope Alex felt at the Therapeutic Group Home has helped him begin the process of change. He has not been to the emergency room for months; he is getting his medical needs met in an appropriate and healthy manner. He is gaining control of his emotional regulation and feeling confident he can be successful. Home visits are occurring to assist him in a healthy transition home. His mother wrote a note to us saying, “I am writing to say a big THANK YOU for everything you have done to help my family but most importantly (my son). He has come a long way from where he was. I want to thank you for working with him and I love Lincoln. Thank you.” (Mom). 

Hope makes a huge difference in the lives of the children and families we serve. We feel privileged to be a part of a program that gives that hope.