Addyson’s story is a powerful testament to the life-changing impact of EmberHope’s Youthville’s residential programs. Like many adolescents grappling with emotional turmoil, Addyson felt isolated with her struggles. Here she shares her story:
“December 17, 2021, was the day my life began to spiral out of control. Following a high school break-up, I began to feel like I was worthless, hopeless, and all alone in a world that nobody wanted me in. My dark and depressing thoughts overpowered me to the point that I began feeling like everyone around me would be better off if I weren’t here. These thoughts quickly turned to vocal warnings and then worse. Over the next 11 months, my mental health continued to rapidly decline to the point where I was stealing money from my loved ones, physically hurting family members, and running away, sometimes as many as 5 times in 1 day. I’d isolated myself from my friends and had alienated myself from my family, truly believing they didn’t care anyway. I experienced 5 short-term psychiatric hospitalizations, and though they kept me safe from myself for 3-5 days, I was never there long enough to figure out what was causing the problem in the first place.”
With the love and support of family and friends, Addyson was ready to do something to make a change. Addyson explains how she found EmberHope Youthville.
“On November 14, 2022, my parents sat me down with one of my therapists who was coming to our house twice a week for in-home therapy and told me that there was an opening at a Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility (PRTF) in Newton called EmberHope Youthville, and that they wanted me to go there. At first, I felt rejected by them, but that feeling went away as they pulled up the website, showed me pictures, and explained more about it.
My mom said that it was started by a United Methodist Church and that our United Methodist Men’s group here at FUMC supported it. I began to come around to the idea, especially when I saw that the list of different types of therapies included dance therapy and equine therapy. I knew in my heart something desperately needed to change, so I agreed to go voluntarily. And on November 16, 2022, my family dropped me off at my cottage and said their tearful goodbyes. What I didn’t realize at the time was that the work that would take place through EmberHope Youthville wasn’t just going to be on me and me alone. My family was involved in my therapy twice a week for family night and family therapy. This made me realize that my feelings of being all alone and unloved were just in my head and couldn’t be farther from the truth.”
Addyson and Family Relied on Our Supportive Community
At EmberHope Youthville, Addyson wasn’t just a number. She was part of a community that extended its helping hand to both her and her family. Family nights and therapy sessions were crucial in shattering the misconceptions of neglect and solitude, which she felt deeply. They forged a path to mutual understanding and stronger family ties.
Addyson shares how the residential program at EmberHope Youthville has made an impact on her life.
“I began to see improvement in myself as I experienced trauma-informed therapy with staff that were easy to be open and honest with. I learned my trigger warning signs and coping skills to calm myself. Our family learned the importance of positive communication skills, how to recognize triggers, and what to do to de-escalate the situation. One of the other things that helped me at EmberHope Youthville is that my spiritual life was nurtured in many ways. I received a couple of care packages from Sarah and the youth group, but I also had access to Bible studies and Sunday morning church services. After 4 and half months, I was discharged from care on March 30, 2023, and I returned home as a new person, just in time to get tickets to attend my junior prom! My mom told me that when they first checked into PRTF care, they were told there was a minimum of a 6-month long, or more, waiting list for every single facility in Kansas. However, I can stand here today and tell you that my God didn’t find that good enough because 3 days later, my mom got a call from EmberHope saying they had an opening available immediately, and it was ours if we wanted it. That was the day God and EmberHope saved my life.”
Stories like Addyson’s serve as a reflection of our commitment to transforming the lives of young individuals. They can begin to heal, find hope, and reclaim their future.
Learn more about our residential programs and join us in celebrating every youth’s milestone in their journeys to self-discovery and growth.
Do you know someone who could benefit from our residential programs? Inquire about the process and openings in our Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facilities or Qualified Residential Treatment Programs below.
