Shelter, Inc.

Shelter's Influence on the Path to Success

It is routine for the staff at Shelter, Inc. to work with troubled youth and to see the impact that early abuse has on children as they develop into adolescence.  In our Older Adolescent Group Home for boys (OAGH), the program can serve the needs of residents for anywhere from a few months to a couple of years. This extended period of time allows our staff to establish relationships with these teens while working to prepare them for independent living.

While we can measure the success of the program on any number of quantitative factors, none would leave the impression that Devin*, a former resident of OAGH, has made. During my first few months on staff at Shelter, I had heard his name a number of times and was starting to pick up on the pride our staff took in his transformation from a challenging young teen into a responsible young man.  Recently, Devin and I had the opportunity to talk about his experience at Shelter and the impact the program has had on his life.

Devin admitted to being a rambunction teen when he moved into the home, struggling with counselors and other residents.  But over time, he began to see the benefits of OAGH's philosophies, including the ability to earn respect and privileges for living up to expectations and taking pride in his home.  With the support of the staff and a goal to succeed, Devin has graduated high school, is currently attending college, plans to play college football next season and has already acquired summer employment.  In the final questions of our interview, I asked him how he would remember Shelter years from now.  He responded, "Shelter is only the second place in my life that I would call my home.... the staff and opportunities at Shelter made me who I am today."

*Devin is a ficticious name, actual names are withheld to maintain confidentiality.