Home for the Holidays
Maddie,19, is the loving and selfless “big sister” type, always eager to care for others despite the deep scars of her past. Her early years were marked by gut-wrenching abuse and neglect, where the home she should have felt safe in became a source of pain. Time and again, she tried to escape, clutching her backpack and dreaming of a life free from fear.
At just 12 years old, she bravely cried out for help after suffering abuse at the hands of her mother’s boyfriend. The silence of her mother—who was meant to protect her—was deafening. “The environment she came from was just chaotic,” said Stephanie Jones, Director of Residential Services.
By the time she was placed in our care at 14, Maddie had lost much of her childhood innocence. Adjusting to her new surroundings proved incredibly difficult, compounded by her mental health issues that had been neglected for so long. “She had a culture shock coming into foster care and having to learn how to take care of herself and her body,” Stephanie said. “She didn’t look like everybody else, she experienced abuse… it was just really hard for her.” Her pain manifested in self-harming behaviors, and for a while, it felt like no one could truly reach her. Yet, the staff at Jonathan’s Place didn’t give up. They patiently learned her triggers and helped her find the support she desperately needed, slowly guiding her toward healing.
She found a sense of stability and safety in our Emergency Shelter, then moved to the Girls Therapeutic Program, experienced life in a Jonathan’s Place foster home and then at 17 moved into the Jonathan’s Place Transitional Living Program. The ability to meet a child’s needs as they age and heal sets Jonathan’s Place apart from other agencies. “My vision for Jonathan’s Place has always been to ensure we can care for children from the time they enter our doors until they are able to care for themselves successfully,” said Allicia Frye, Chief Executive Officer.
While Maddie’s journey brought anxiety and feelings of abandonment, Jonathan’s Place provided her with therapy and tools she needed to cope and heal from her trauma. Maddie often talked about her feeling of abandonment and at times, did everything she could to self-sabotage her placement at Jonathan’s Place. But our team refused to give up on her. We supported her through her challenges and celebrated her successes. “A huge highlight was at Maddie’s high school graduation, the school had her stand up and they shared her story about her journey in foster care and everything she overcame,” Stephanie said. “Many of our staff came out to support her and there was not a dry eye amongst us.”
Throughout her time at Jonathan’s Place, Maddie forged meaningful connections with staff and peers. Her relationships have continued to keep her grounded during her uphill battle with coping with her trauma. Maddie holds a very special place in Stephanie’s heart. They have been through many seasons of life together. “I have known her since she was 14,” Stephanie said. “She saw when I was pregnant with my son. She came to his 4th birthday party.” Maddie made fast friends with Stephanie’s family, including her mother and father. “You have family with us,” Stephanie said to Maddie. “If you need anything, we are your family.”
Maddie graduated from our Transitional Living Program this fall and moved into a supervised independent living program for young women aged 18 to 24. During her time in transitional living, she completed high school and worked various retail jobs, but it was her role at a local daycare that truly captured her interest. Now, as she starts this new chapter, Maddie looks forward to going to work each day, ready to make a difference in the lives of children. This new placement is designed to support her as she pursues her educational and career goals, providing her with the structure and resources she needs to succeed.
Maddie’s journey is a poignant reminder of resilience, but also of the heartache that can linger long after the wounds have begun to heal. Her story is one of survival amidst sorrow, illustrating the complexity of healing and the enduring hope for a better tomorrow, even when the past feels insurmountable.
One night, the Safe Place phone rang—a sound that still makes Stephanie’s heart race. QuikTrip had called about a 17-year-old boy who was homeless and needed shelter. He had been kicked out of his house and had nowhere to go. The Jonathan’s Place team sprang into action, preparing clean sheets, towels, and a change of clothes for his arrival.
At first, Michael presented a tough exterior, keeping his guard up and clashing with nearly everyone in the Emergency Shelter. His story remained a mystery until Kyeila Jordan, the Assistant Director of Residential Programs, spent time talking to Michael and caught a glimpse of his past. “This was an opportunity for me to see beyond his defenses,” Kyeila said. “I got to see his vulnerable side.”
Michael had endured years of neglect, with his family prioritizing work over education. Mental health treatment was an afterthought, and escalating fights at home ultimately led to his mother kicking him out of their home. Beneath his intimidating exterior was a boy who had been forced to grow up too quickly, struggling to connect with those who wanted to help him. “I don’t want to be the way I am,” Michael confessed. “I hate being the person I am.”
Before arriving at Jonathan’s Place, Michael’s mental health had not been a priority. Our team made countless calls to secure the help he needed and deserved. Although Safe Place only offers temporary shelter, Michael had no other options—no suitable family placements and no available beds in other shelters. He was determined not to return to his mother. Eventually, Kyeila arranged for Michael to enter CPS guardianship, which allowed him to stay at Jonathan’s Place and provided him with a safe place to stay for the next three months. The next step was to enroll him in school.
Arriving at Jonathan’s Place with nothing but the clothes on his back made the enrollment process challenging. His mother refused to provide necessary documents like his birth certificate or social security card. After some effort, we located his transcripts. “The school thought he might have to start as a freshman, maybe a sophomore,” Kyeila said. “But Michael didn’t care—he just wanted to earn his diploma.”
The day before he was set to start school, we learned that a spot had opened at a boys’ home in Arlington.
Now, Michael is thriving in his new home and looking forward to the future. We can’t imagine what would have happened to Michael if he was left on the streets. “I appreciate everything you guys did for me during my time at Jonathan’s Place,” he said. “You did more for me than my own mother ever has.” This past August, he started high school as a senior and is on track to graduate on time. He even invited his case manager and direct care staff to his graduation and is making significant strides in both his mental health and communication skills.
Support from Jonathan’s Place has not only helped him secure a safe home and an education but has also instilled a sense of belonging he never thought possible. With newfound confidence and the skills to connect with others, Michael is excited to step into adulthood, ready to pursue his dreams and create a brighter future. The road ahead may still hold challenges, but with the lessons learned and the support he’s received, he feels ready to face whatever comes next.
As the holiday season approaches, Jonathan’s Place continues to provide a safe place, loving homes and promising futures for hundreds of abused and neglected children, teens and young adults. For the first time, many of the children in our care experience the joy of celebrating the holidays in a supportive environment filled with laughter, decorations, shared meals and presents. Our staff and volunteers organize special activities, fostering a sense of community and belonging that Michael and Maddie had longed for. Surrounded by caring staff and volunteers, the children in our care find comfort in the holiday traditions that remind them of what family could feel like. Jonathan’s Place not only provides shelter but also a true home, where children can create cherished memories and embrace the spirit of the season, free from the shadows of their past.