Jessica

The longer Jessica’s life became, her motivation to keep living was getting shorter. Something from her past was building inside, and Jessica was searching for ways to end the pain, expressing it the only way she knew how. Needing to escape her hidden reality, Jessica began experimenting with drugs and alcohol, refusing to attend school, and isolating herself from the world. With no friends and a broken down family support system, Jessica was slipping deeper and deeper into a severe depression. A depression that left Jessica contemplating the ultimate escape.

Thankfully, Jessica came to Arizona's Children Association before another young life ended tragically. Jessica’s therapist was able to reach out and breakthrough, revealing the trauma of past abuse that continued to haunt. In the sessions, Jessica was given the tools to cope with her past, and the skills necessary to achieve future success. Jessica and her family also formed a Child and Family Team to identify strategies for strengthening the family. In a group therapy setting, they received the support and direction needed to reach their goals.

With the family back on track, Jessica continues to improve. This past school year, she attended nearly every day, passing all of her classes. One of the goals Jessica established with her therapist was to make new friends in school. She did so with flying colors, and at the end of the school year, Jessica host a sleepover for many of her new acquaintances. Jessica is doing so well, at this time she is no longer in need of therapy.

In her time with Arizona's Children Association, Jessica says she has learned a lot about herself, and how to effectively deal with the negative things in life. She says that she has a completely different frame of mind, and that with a little hard work she can succeed!