Michael's Story

Michael is a young man who has always longed for a sense of connection. “I remember being lonely ever since I was little,” he says. “At home, I never had anyone to talk to. I never really tried to make friends at school. My brother Anthony was my only friend.”

Michael’s family broke up when he was nine years old, and the state placed him in a children’s home. He liked the staff and even made some friends, but Michael missed his family desperately. He began to feel that his life had been “stolen” by the system, an impression that was reinforced when the state transferred him to a foster home.

“I didn’t like my foster parents,” he says. “They treated me very unkindly, and I just felt sad all the time. I was glad when the state sent me to LYDIA.”

Nonetheless, Michael, now 12, was angry when he arrived at our Residential Treatment Center, and our staff worked hard to help him control his anger and express himself appropriately.

“The people at LYDIA helped me through my pain,” Michael says. “I know they care about me, and they make me feel like I am someone special. Now my life is right and I am free from the pain that I used to feel. I’m not as lonely anymore.”

Michael’s parents continue to work toward reuniting with their children, and we are all hoping that Michael will be able to return to them soon.