Message from our CEO 

Dear Friends,

For those struggling with Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), every day seems like a battle.

The slightest experience that may seem mundane to one person can trigger a slew of terrifying memories in the mind of another.  For those with PTSD, thoughts of what happened long ago are as vivid as if they occurred yesterday. It feels as if the fear will never subside.

June is National PTSD Awareness Month, and I wanted to share some information with you about this potentially devastating disorder. While many assume that PTSD only affects those who have served in our armed forces in combat, the truth is that millions of other trauma victims struggle with PTSD, including many of our clients. A child who has been physically or sexually abused, a survivor of sexual assault or individuals who have endured a tragedy are all at risk for PTSD. Although the circumstances may be different for each person, traumatic experiences often evoke similar feelings.  

The National Center for PTSD states on its website, "During a traumatic event, you think that your life or others' lives are in danger. You may feel afraid or feel that you have no control over what is happening around you. Most people have some stress-related reactions after a traumatic event; but, not everyone gets PTSD. If your reactions don't go away over time and they disrupt your life, you may have PTSD."

Symptoms of the disorder include reliving the event through nightmares or flashbacks, avoiding situations that remind you of that traumatic experience, feeling numb, or hyper-arousal - always being on edge or jittery. Issues surrounding PTSD can drive people into depression, drug or alcohol abuse, homelessness or other major obstacles. But there is hope in treatment - something we at Familylinks witness every day in the work we do with our clients.

If you or someone you know is struggling with PTSD or a traumatic experience, please contact Familylinks or another mental health professional.

Sincerely,

Frederick A. Massey, Jr.

CEO, Familylinks, Inc.

ASIL Helps a Young Woman Shape a New Life 

Growing up with an addicted mother and living as a survivor of sexual abuse, Kaylah constantly struggled with intense emotions, anger and hurt.

But when she was admitted to Familylinks' Adolescent Semi-Independent Living (ASIL) program, Kaylah learned to confront her issues directly for the first time in her life.  ASIL is a long-term, residential program for youth ages 16-21 who are involved with the Child Welfare System or Juvenile Justice System and transitioning to adulthood.  

Kaylah's transition into the program was not easy. She experienced overwhelming anger and her initial solution to that -or any problem - was escape, whether that meant literally running away, skipping school or experimenting with alcohol and drugs. Upon entering ASIL, she also was on juvenile probation.

The ASIL staff immediately lifted Kaylah's spirits by focusing on her strengths, enrolling her in a GED program and connecting her with the mental health and substance abuse services she needed. She worked with the staff to complete all conditions of her probation, was assigned an independent living worker, and received encouragement to continue contact with her family to rebuild those relationships.

Soon, Kaylah reached her goal of earning a GED and is now furthering her education at the college level. She completed her requirements for probation and paid off her restitution. Kaylah also has a job where she is known as a hard worker.

This young woman has taken the steps needed to repair relationships with both her parents and siblings. Finding new hope in attending church has been a source of inspiration in her life. With therapy and treatment, she has learned ways to cope with her issues head on - and now refuses to run away from those problems. Through her own transformation, Kaylah became a role model for everyone at ASIL.

She worked with her independent living worker to obtain her own apartment through Action Housing, successfully graduating from the ASIL program and blossoming into her full potential.

STEP Helps Student Overcome Challenges

At just 11 years old, Jennifer faced debilitating challenges when it

came to coping with her feelings.

She refused to follow the rules set by both her parents and teachers, shutting down emotionally and putting her head down -remaining completely silent. She had trouble sleeping, going as long as 36 hours without any rest. During other instances, Jennifer would attack her sister through verbal and physical abuse, yelling, kicking and punching. While attending school, she would regularly resort to physical aggression toward fellow students and staff. After many of these incidents, staff at Jennifer's school would simply send her home.

Then, Jennifer was referred to Familylinks. She began with our most intensive counseling intervention, known as Family Based Mental Health.  Jennifer and her family made progress and "graduated" to our Short-Term Enhanced Programming (STEP).  STEP provides intense support through mobile therapists who work in collaboration with the family and other providers in different settings within the community. As Jennifer began treatment, school officials requested that the mobile therapist refer her to a partial hospitalization program. But through Familylinks' efforts, Jennifer was able to grow without that very restrictive option.

Jennifer's STEP therapist coordinated care with the school, conducting individual sessions with Jennifer at school and collaborating with teachers and staff.  The therapist also supported the family in obtaining an Individualized Education Plan to help guide Jennifer to success.

While Jennifer's family was initially apprehensive about giving her any medication, with guidance from their therapist, they came to realize the importance of certain prescriptions and their positive effects. In addition to implementing a medication plan, the therapist worked with Jennifer to help her develop the skills she desperately needed to express her feelings in a healthy way. Jennifer learned how to seek help from her teachers and how to communicate better with her parents at home. 

At her most recent IEP meeting, the school principal described Jennifer as "a success story." The principal said people who didn't know the "old Jennifer" are shocked when they hear her story.

"I'm so glad we were able to prevent Jennifer from having to go to a higher level of care (partial hospitalization)," her therapist said. "I'm also very proud of the fact that we have been able to help change the way her school staff looks at her. She's now a 'success story' as opposed to an aggressive child. She has a new identity."

At home, Jennifer has been able to enjoy privileges and new opportunities, including going to birthday parties, skating, and being included during family outings. Her sleep has improved and her family understands the pieces of treatment that come together so that Jennifer can become a whole, healthier and happier person.