Sally Dear Ms. Fran Hirt, Principal, This is the most difficult letter for me to write. I do not know how I can possibly put into words how much you and Marillac have meant to me. I feel like you have given my daughter back to me. She was so lost, and I did not think I could ever have a happy child again. It is hard for me to think about the way she was when she first started at Marillac. She was insecure and full of fear. She rarely smiled...and had lost all self-esteem. Today, she is a happy, self-confident young lady and I owe it all to you and your staff.
The most amazing thing you have ever done for me is to make me feel more confident. I cannot tell you how it made me feel each time you told me I was a good mother. I had never heard that before. I was constantly criticized and verbally attacked for having the nerve to raise such a monstrous child and to expect a school to educate her. I can now accept that those opinions may never change but, because of your support, I know I am doing the best I can.
It also meant so much for you to support my feelings at treatment meetings. It felt wonderful for you to tell others how smart *Sally was, and to advocate for her best interests. You always made me feel that you truly thought Sally was a very special child and not just a number. I hope you do not mind me calling you for advice in the years to come, as I do not think I could make it without your knowledge and concern.
I wanted to get all of the staff something special to show my appreciation. I agonized over what to get, as there were seven staff members I felt I had to recognize, and my funds are limited. If I could afford it, I would send you all to Hawaii but, obviously, I cannot. Instead, I decided on these plants. I felt, symbolically, you can watch them blossom as you have all watched Sally blossom, and you can know that you and your staff made these blossoms grow. I will miss you so much and will never forget all you have done for us.
Sincerely, Trina and Sally*
John When he was just six years old, John* was removed from his biological mother's home and was placed in the custody of the state due to neglect and suspected abuse. In one instance, his mother had apparently left him and his four siblings at home alone in the apartment building where they resided, without any adult supervision. Alone in the apartment, John discovered some matches and began playing with them. Before long, a fire had started that destroyed the family's apartment and the entire building. With his life spared in the fire, John was placed in foster care, but his many behavioral problems and challenges led to multiple disruptions and foster placements.
Prior to his admission at Marillac, John was hospitalized after disrupting a recent foster placement. His foster parents had requested the hospitalization because of his level of aggression and disruptive behavior in their home. John had demonstrated dangerous behavior towards a 16-month child in the foster home, and their pets. The foster parents also reported that when John was angry he often hurt himself, pulling his hair and hitting himself in the head.
John was referred to Marillac by his social worker. During his hospitalization before coming to Marillac, John was diagnosed with several major disorders. However, once he began treatment at Marillac, the psychiatrist and other staff began to notice that John's symptoms were more consistent with Tourette's Syndrome than the multiple disorders with which he had been diagnosed at the hospital. John's therapist began to teach other Marillac staff therapeutic ways to work with John, relative to his new diagnosis. His psychiatrist also changed his medications. Moreover, the staff helped John learn self-soothing techniques to help overcome the symptoms of his disorder.
Over time, John's level of aggression eased considerably and his disruptive behavior improved substantially. Eventually, John was able to function in an appropriate, positive and healthy manner and was shortly thereafter released from Marillac's care to a new foster home. Today, John has successfully remained with his new foster family for over a year and appears to be on the road to a healthy, happy and a brighter tomorrow.
Stephen He looked like an angel: blue eyes, blond hair, and an irresistible smile that would steal your heart. But beneath his facade were anger, pain, and frustration. Stephen* had experienced a great loss in his young life: his best friend and inseparable playmate, his brother, had died, leaving four-year-old Stephen alone and confused.
Stephen became depressed, withdrawn, and obsessed with anything that reminded him of his brother. Once active and alert, he retreated into his own private world of grief. He demonstrated out-of-control and sometimes suicidal behaviors. After two months at Marillac, Stephen's behaviors improved significantly.
Working together, therapists, teachers, and his parents helped him to deal with the pain and fear he could not understand. He began to communicate again, expressing his sad and angry feelings in positive, appropriate ways. After discharge, Stephen returned to his public school and created a new beginning with his family.
Julie Julie* was four years old when she arrived at Marillac. Her mother's boyfriend had refused to allow "that kid" to be around. She had been confined to the basement where she had resided with the family dog. During mealtime at Marillac, she munched at her dish without using silverware or even her hands. Her bed at Marillac was foreign to her, and she slept beside it on the floor.
Today, Julie still lives and goes to school at Marillac. She receives ongoing expressive and traditional therapies, and has improved her ability to interact with others. Julie enjoys music, art, and visiting Marillac's Little Store where she can exchange her good behavior points for toys, games, or books.
David As a day school student at Marillac, David* had severe language delays and was labeled "learning disabled." He was angry because other kids in the public schools made fun of him, and consequently, he had low self-esteem.
David attended Marillac's therapeutic day school for approximately three years. Because of the time he spent at Marillac, David not only graduated from a public school, but also went on to complete a college degree. He returned to Marillac following college graduation and spent time volunteering in the classrooms, helping children with whom he could relate.
Today, David is a high school teacher in Texas. Despite his learning difficulties early in childhood, David overcame life's obstacles and achieved great success.
* Names have been changed to protect the children's and family's identities.
