Anthony: A Success Story
Anthony has had many struggles and successes while he has been with Rediscovery. Now, he is well on his way to being one of our great success stories. In his own words: “I was born in Boston and raised in Roxbury where I hung out with the drug dealers, homeless folks, and murderers only to create a life of gang banging, hustling and robbery. I attended English High School where I only completed two years due to my violence and drug using.
“I was in and out of foster homes, group homes and residentials for years. Then I was taken out of Boston due to becoming a target of gang violence. I was taken to Rediscovery, in Waltham, in what I call the boonies. I was to make a fresh start here. But I started by first finding weed then buying drinks and going out of my mind do so much of the things I left behind that I fell into the position of almost being kicked out of Rediscovery. I sobered up and finally took the opportunities that I had missed.
“Now, I’m working hard to reach the possibilities—going to GED three times a week, working five days a week and just trying to pay forward for the part that I left a mess. After being clean and sober for a year and some months, I was able to get my own apartment in Waltham. This would not have been possible without the help of Rediscovery, but mostly without my faith in God.”
Anthony has made a remarkable turn around in his life and we see wonderful things in his future. His story is not just about Anthony and all he is done, but also about the power of a second chance.
Over view of Programs
Rediscovery, Inc. uses a multi-pronged approach to serving the youth in its care. Rediscovery runs a continuum of residential services from Group Home to Independent Living to Stepping Out that allow youth to gradually gain more independence and responsibility as they grow. Rediscovery also provides its residents with educational and vocational support from the Alternative Education Program, as well as a comprehensive Clinical Care Program that includes therapy, psychopharmacology access and a men’s issues group. This wrap-around service model allows Rediscovery, Inc. to help youth in ways that traditional residential programs are not able. We strive to provide our youth with the foundation needed to succeed in life after leaving state custody. Rediscovery, Inc. also offers a comprehensive Alumni Program that allows all alumni to access services as they need them even after leaving Rediscovery, Inc. This connection to our alumni gives Rediscovery, Inc. important feedback about how our youth are doing after leaving Rediscovery, Inc. and how our programs can be improved over time to better prepare the youth we serve for self-sufficiency.
In addition to these established programs which help youth aging out of state custody, Rediscovery has just begun a new program, YouthHarbors, to work with unaccompanied in-school homeless youth. The program is currently being piloted at Malden High School with grant money from the City of Malden. The program provides short-term housing and case management for youth who otherwise have little or no support structure.
