A poor, unstable childhood combined with bad choices placed Marcus at a crossroads in his life when he was only 16. Though he was bright and articulate, he was already a high-school drop-out and an absentee father with a growing criminal record of shoplifting, drug dealing and gang activity. His single mother was a struggling drug addict, unable to help him. After spending eight months at a juvenile detention center, Marcus was referred to a St. Joseph’s Villa Group Home.
Although he didn’t want to go, at the time it was his only option
.Angry and resentful, Marcus saw himself as a victim of the world, blaming everyone except himself for the problems in his life. Villa staff worked closely with him to help him see things differently. Two things — structure and accountability — became his new realities as he adjusted to sharing day-to-day responsibilities with other boys in the home, attending school again, and meeting strict expectations.
With time, Marcus learned that every action has a consequence. He also learned to talk about his feelings with people who cared about him. Slowly he began to realize that his course wasn’t predetermined. He could change it by making different choices. Because his mother couldn’t care for him, Marcus knew he had to take ownership of himself. Villa staff taught him the real-life skills he would need to make it — cooking, cleaning, money and time management, job hunting. With the help of counseling and parenting classes, he even reconnected with his toddler son. He improved so much at his high school that he took the SATs, participated on the track team, and held a part-time job on weekends.
Within 18 months, he was able to move to a SILP (Supervised Independent Living Program)apartment with greater independence and regular visits from Villa social workers. Marcus not only finished high school, but completed two years of evening courses at a community college and is on his way to becoming a school guidance counselor. He works, enjoys a close relationship with his son, and often shares his experience with kids at schools, youth centers and correction facilities.
The best part is, for Marcus, many options still await.
Joelle's Story...
