Two years ago, sixteen-year-old Destiny was failing in school, getting into street fights and gang activity, running away from home, and struggling with her family relationships. She struggled with depression, drug abuse and suicide attempts. Even as a child living in Mexico under her grandmother’s care, Destiny fell into self-injurious behaviors, including cutting and suicidal tendencies.
She moved to the United States with her mother but her problems continued. She was hospitalized several times due to severe cutting and suicide attempts. During her first psychiatric hospitalization, she was introduced to Ecstasy through another patient. After leaving the hospital, Destiny began experimenting with cocaine, marijuana, alcohol and meth-amphetamines. Destiny’s self-esteem was very low; she felt hopeless and lost. Once her treatment began at The Village Family Services, it became clear that her poor relationship with her mother and limited access to age-appropriate, extracurricular activities were contributing to her depression and behavioral problems.
Along with her therapy, Destiny began participating in Project HYPE! and her life began to change. Her grades have improved dramatically (all As!), she no longer uses recreational drugs, and she is working on her relationship with her mother. In fact, Destiny’s mother participated in the agency’s Parenting Journey group, where she learned skills and strategies to improve her relationship with her daughter. Even though she is still on probation at school, Destiny is committed to her journey and the potential her life now holds for her.
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