Why We Work Here... For John

"I got into the Santa Ana Home a couple of months ago. They tell
me that I have been a good leaders since I got here. I don't know about
that but I do know that I want to do what I can to go home as soon as
possible. So I listen to the staff, do lots of extra chores and keep my
bed and dresser clean. I tell the other guys to do the same thing. I miss
my mom so much that I am always trying to get her rides to come for therapy
sessions at the Santa Ana Home."

Notes from staff: He is earning a level of school credits above what is generally expected and he is earning B's and C's on these credits. He has been drug free as evidenced by clean drug tests and not involved in any other negative behaviors. There was one fight where another youth hit him and John did not retaliate against the other client. He has been open about his background and is working hard change his life. He has aspirations of going to barber school, working as a barber and furthering his education.

Why We Work Here... For Mario

Mario is a past resident who recently came in contact with Ettie Lee again...

My name is Mario Camarillo and I use to be a resident in about five of your
homes…one of them was the Azusa home. You could say that I was a
handful. I remember lots of times I had in the homes and as I think about
it, it was really fun. I didn’t realize it then but the homes really
helped me as a young man. I have made some detours but I am grateful for
the homes and I look at my life now and I can say that at 34 I am a great man
who is a worship leader at my church. I don’t think anyone can forget
about me…I’m the one who gave them all the grey hair. But what I really
want to say is Thank you and God Bless.

Why We Work Here... For Jorge*

Jorge* was 5 years old when he was placed in a foster home after experiencing trauma in his family. After one month in foster care, Ettie Lee was able to place him in kinship care (under the care of a relative instead of being in foster care).

The Ettie Lee therapist who cared for him reports that he hated being left alone. When left alone, he became very fearful and would search the home yelling for anyone to come to his call. Even after an adult responded, the family had a difficult time consoling him during these moments. Jorge also struggled to listen when asked to do chores or follow directions.

A little after a year of therapeutic service, Jorge is thriving in kinship care – both at home and in school. Jorge has not only overcome his fear of being left alone, he now describes what it felt like when he didn’t think anyone was there for him. He listens when asked to do his chores, follows directions and, has met his therapeutic goals. He also has received many awards, including student of the month.

*Name changed to protect youth's identity

In His Own Words...Eddie's* Story

"I was 17 years old and I didn't have enough credits to graduate high school on time when I came to the Ettie Lee group home in October. But all of the staff members really cared about me and encouraged me to get my high school diploma."

"They told me it would make a big difference in my life. I have been trying really hard because I want to graduate with the other seniors. So I am going to day school and night school to make sure that I will have all the credits I need in order to graduate on time."

"I am also taking college prep classes too! I have become an A student now and I sure an looking forward to going to my senior prom and wearing my cap and gown on graduation day."

*Name changed to protect youth's identity

Check the comments section of this post for updates on Eddie's journey

If you would like to help Eddie with his graduation expenses please click here to make a donation today! Eddie sure would appreciate it!

Why We Work Here... For James*

James*, 16, has been at the Fontana home for 4 years. Prior to this he had been placed in several foster homes after he was taken away from his mom who was unable to care for him.

Over the holidays, he was able to meet and visit his paternal grandmother in North Carolina. He had been waiting for this opportunity for years! He has never had contact with his father and while in North Carolina learned that he is in the military living in Alaska.

James hopes one day to be able to meet him. James is a good high school student and is involved in the ROTC program there. After high school he plans on joining the military.

* to protect the child's confidentiality we are not using the child's name

Why We Work Here... For Miguel*

Miguel* was not happy to be placed in a group home (Diamond L Ranch) and was very defiant and would proclaim his gang status loudly. After a while, he slowly began to relax into Ettie Lee’s rules and came to understand that even he had to follow them. He still, however, was volatile and would fly into rage-full tantrums at the slightest provocation.

As his court date approached Miguel was anxious and he checked a re-checked with his probation officer to see if he was recommending his release and every time his probation officer assured him that he was. So, on the day Miguel went to court he had said all of his goodbyes to staff and peers and he was carrying his suitcase full of the belongings he had accumulated in six months. By the time his court date came around he had earned a phenomenal 40 high school credits, quit smoking marijuana, clean drug test, and he had bonded with one of the child care staff -- something Miguel tells us is unheard of for him.

The staff found it bitter sweet to see him go but we all cheered him on and wished him nothing but the best. So, imagine our surprise when Miguel came back that afternoon. The judge had decided, for reasons only he knows, that he was not impressed (his words) with Miguel’s program and he told him he was going to have to stay 6 more months, with a 3 month check in. Miguel was devastated.

Miguel considered AWOL’ing, but instead used the coping skills he learned at Ettie Lee and came to the conclusion that if he did, his mom, who has serious health issues, would be badly hurt, and when he got caught he quite possibly would be sent to the Californian Youth Authority for many more months. He used additional coping skills that allowed him to tolerate the disappointment and to accept his circumstances.

Miguel is back for at least 3 months and he has an excellent attitude. For now he is focusing on his school work and getting all of the high school credits he can so when he is released he will be on track to graduate high school.

This week Miguel applied to be a graduate level resident at Diamond L Ranch which is a position of leadership and role modeling at the home. Six months ago Miguel would have ridiculed and scorned this idea. Although not chosen to take on this role at this time, Miguel cheerfully accepted to take on a few milestones before he is ready to take on this level of responsibility. But more importantly, Miguel was able to manage the anger that has always come with life’s disappointments.

* to protect the child's confidentiality we are not using the child's name

Why We Work At Ettie Lee... For Frank*

Frank* came to Ettie Lee's Robertson Memorial Home in May because his father, who loves him very much, had no idea how to deal with his son's chronic negative behavior. And from the onset it seem as though Frank, 17, did not want to change the behavior that led him to Ettie Lee.

Frank struggled with marijuana use, compulsive lying, stealing and fighting. The staff at Ettie Lee attempted to enroll Frank in Ettie Lee's Charter School, but he was in two fights in the first two days of class. He was then enrolled in our local public school where he was suspended for three days on his first day of class. Frank was constantly struggling with other peers in the home as well.

Through consistent accountability and a great deal of family therapy, individual therapy, and staff support, Frank slowly began to open up and turn his behavior around. Frank cam from a very impoverished family and went without for most of his life. Many of his compulsive behaviors were based on survival instincts. The more Ettie Lee staffers helped Frank feel safe, supported and provided for, his negative behaviors decreased. The staff insisted Frank take responsibility for his actions and strive to make amends with his peers. He began to develop positive relationships. In July (2009), his behavior had improved so much he was once again able to attend Ettie Lee's Charter School. He has since received his first high school credits. Frank also earned his own room at the Robertson Memorial Home and stated so proudly that this was the first time he had ever had his own bedroom. He also takes pride in assisting our maintenance staff with such projects as painting, gardening and cleaning the rain gutters.

Since his initial placement into our care, Frank has had a lot of other "firsts" such as: going to the mall, receiving a birthday cake and having people sing Happy Birthday to him, dress clothes and nice shoes, and receiving his very own hand-made quilt.

Frank has come a long way. Frank has been able to experience feeling safe and being cared for and has learned to take responsibility for himself and his actions. Initially Frank would respond with "I didn't do it, it wasn't me!" This occurred even if he did something right in front of you. Now Frank states, "My Bad!" and searches for ways to correct his behavior. Frank still struggles but has learned quite a few coping skills while he has been with us and is making great strides in working his program.

"I'm going to use my wise-mind skills" (language used in Ettie Lee treatment plan) and "I'm a man, I don't need to participate in childish behavior."

The Robertson Memorial Home staff have laughed, cried, and supported Frank through a lot of ups and downs but are all very proud of the accomplishments Frank has made.

* to protect the child's confidentiality we are not using the child's name