Karen

“My parents were divorced when I was about 4. I was bounced between my aunt and father for years until my mother took us back. When I was 12 my brother hit me a lot and my mom wouldn’t help me. I was an alcoholic by then. I told my best friend I was going to kill myself and they put me in a mental ward. Then I went to a foster home, but I don’t really remember much about it. When I got to Quakerdale I didn’t care about anything or anybody. I didn’t use the program like I should have. I didn’t go to class or do homework and the houseparents were hard on me. At the time it seemed like a bad experience, but it wasn’t. Now so many years later I am married and have a life and a job. I want you to know that the people at Quakerdale gave me knowledge and helped me be the person I am today. When I get down today, I remember things I was taught there and apply it to my life and magically, things get better. I want to thank the people who helped me. They had patience with me and believed in me when I did not. Thank you for listening.” … an e-mail from Karen