(Letter received by the Director of York County)
Hello my name is Jane, I am a single mother and my daughter’s name is Sara and on August 27, 2013 we successfully completed the GEM program after 18 months of involvement. Before the GEM program came into our lives my daughter was in trouble with the law and struggling with the use of drugs and alcohol. She was also on her way to dropping out of high school. Additionally, I myself was also struggling with a severe drug addiction and was deeply involved in a relapse.
Our relationship was very turbulent and I feared for my daughter’s life given the severity of her drug addiction. After my daughter had been court appointed to a D&A Inpatient Rehabilitation Program, the GEM program was also appointed into our lives. With the help of the GEM program my daughter went from being a high school dropout to becoming the school districts most improved student of the 2012/2013 school year. She received the academic achievement and most improved student of the year award at a banquet in May 2013. She was also a member of the distinguished honor roll her entire senior year. It was not easy but with the help of both Stephanie Koehler and Nicole Temons, we remained on track. Their dedication and commitment to us kept us moving forward. My daughter graduated from York County School of Technology with a career in cosmetology in place. The GEM program fought for Sara to get back into school following her successful completion of the inpatient program. The personnel at York County School of Technology was uncertain about her return to the school because of the trouble she had previously caused there, but the persistence of the GEM team members they allowed her to return to school. While she was in treatment from the drugs and alcohol she decided that she was willing to do whatever it would take for her to be successful in school and in life and that she was determined that she was going to be one of the few who actually turned her life around and she wanted to make something of herself. I do not think that she would have been able to stay as strong as she was without the consistent support and encouragement from Stephanie and Nicole. Additionally, I do not think that I would have remained as strong for Sara if I had not had the women of the GEM program who backed me up at every turn. When I didn’t’ think I could do it anymore they stood by me and empowered me to keep moving forward. Sara successfully completed the program and is now working in the field of cosmetology. She has learned how to stand on her own two feet. I am so proud of her accomplishments and I feel confident that she is ready and able to transition into her adult life. Thank you so much Stephanie and Nicole for all your help and commitment to us in this last 18 months. In addition to all of the above, I am currently living in my own home, am employed and have been clean and sober for almost 2 years. I have gained the insight and strength that I did not have before and learned how to live life on life’s terms without the use of mood altering substances. The Girls Empowerment Program came into our lives at exactly the right moment in time and was exactly what me and my family needed. We are very grateful for all they have done for us.
Truly…Jane and Sara
Thank you Jane for sharing your success story with us. We are proud to have supported you and your daughter in recovery and all of your accomplishments. JusticeWorks values the hard work, dedication, and passion that Stephanie and Nicole demonstrate with each family they work with.