We all know the teen years can be rough for youth. The average teen deals with lots of emotions and talking to teens about their feelings can be difficult. This is true for one of our newer teens in our youth program, Asia.*  We share her story as one example of many of how your support is making a difference in the lives of those we serve.

Asia joined our youth program at our Overtown Site four months ago.  Our youth staff knew there was likely something behind her aggressive verbal attacks.  Oftentimes during our weekly Social Skills classes, the youth share about their personal lives, but after months Asia never shared. Her anger was coming from a deep seated pain, but staff were unable to get deeper conversations started.  It was instead during Creative Arts in a small group that Asia finally opened up to TML staff member, Tianna. With her head down focused on her project, Asia shared how since she was a very young girl she’s watched her mom struggle with substance abuse.  During low times when her mom relapsed, Asia had to live with different relatives and how that made school and friendships difficult.  The constant shuffling from home to home, disconnect from friends, and missing out on a healthy relationship with her mom has taken its toll on Asia’s sprit.  That night over a simple activity Tianna was able to be the listening ear Asia so desperately needed and trust began to form.

Fast forward several weeks and many conversations later, Tianna along with other youth staff from TML stopped in at Booker T. Washington School during lunch.  Asia spotted across the lunch room and nearly ran over to them.  Tianna was shocked to see Asia so excited as she introduced them to several of her friends.  The smile on her face was real and the excitement in her voice such a marked difference from the sarcastic, rude Asia just a few weeks ago.  Asia’s turbulent teen years aren’t over and her mom’s road to permanent recovery may still be long and winding, but because of your support Asia can have trusted adults who care about her in her life and a place to come for support.