A letter from a past resident
Hi, my name is Richelle and I was recently reunited with my family after living at Laurel House for about nine months.
When I first came into Laurel House I was a mess. Coming to Laurel House was a hard thing for me, I was used to hanging out with my friends every day, calling them 24/7 and doing whatever I really wanted to. I had rules and guidelines, it was just that I didn’t follow them. I had horrible grades - if you can believe it I had an F in PE. I really don’t know what I was thinking or what was going through my head. I was starting to hang out with the wrong crowd and being disrespectful to my body. I was getting into drugs and drinking a lot. My parents couldn’t take it anymore and that’s when they suggested Laurel House.
It took me three months to get used to this living environment, I was told what to do and there were so many rules that I just didn’t want to obey. Well, that wasn’t the best idea; I got in trouble and was almost going to be sent to another place harder and not very loving. Finally I got on the right track with the help from my wonderful house mother and encouraging words from my house sisters. That’s when I realized that I couldn’t do everything on my own. I am still a teenager, not an adult. After doing so well in my program, I started getting privileges. I love the person I am now, I know my limits and I now know I am the child and sister that my family always wanted. Laurel House has changed me and my life so much. I thank God that I came here. I really don’t know what I would have done without this place.
Thank you so much Laurel House, this has been a wonderful experience that I will never forget. I will miss all the girls and Donna, Steve and Ryan.