Timmy was admitted to St. Jude’s Ranch for Children in February 2006.  At 16 years old, he came into our care after being severely physically and sexually abused by his mother’s boyfriend.  

Not surprisingly, Timmy was defiant and angry with everyone in the world, including God.  He had difficulty expressing his feelings with words and had difficulty with behavior impulse control.  Expectedly, he had a challenging adjustment period.

In the Therapeutic Residential Treatment Program, over time Timmy’s behavioral outbursts decreased.  He learned more appropriate ways to express his feelings and appropriately manage his anger over past events.  These results were realized in large part because the trained and dedicated staff was there to support Timmy, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  He surprised even himself that he was able to make such positive and significant progress.  We always believed in him. Now he believed in himself.

In late October 2006, Timmy had made so much progress developing appropriate social and emotional behaviors that he “graduated” to the Transitional Living Program.  He continues to do well in the Program, as well as in school.  He has started a part-time job as a landscaper, follows all of the rules in the home and continues to learn how to handle difficult situations in a mature and appropriate manner.