Josephine
Since childhood my life has been unstable and chaotic. My mom passed away when I was 2 years old. My dad lived an unpredictable life where I was left with strangers or even alone while he was living a life of crime. He was eventually arrested and sentenced to prison. I was then moved around among family members, never having a stable home. As I got older I began experiencing depression and sadness. At age 14, I began a downward spiral into drugs and unhealthy relationships. This became my new life and my new family. I had broken the trust with the relatives I was living with and they began to look into other living options for me. I reached out to my cousin…
Jena
I was born into a family who struggled with alcoholism and substance abuse. My mom was in and out of prison and jail. My whole life my dad was very absent and when he decided to show up, it was only because he wanted to see my brother. Not many people while I was growing up wanted me. At a very young age, I started to develop depression and anxiety. At seven years old, my brother and I got put into CPS custody. My brother and I were separated. My anxiety and depression worsened along with my self-worth. In a one-year span of being in CPS custody, I was moved between six different homes. On the National Adoption Day, November 20th, my brother and…
Xandria
I grew up in a good environment in a Christian household. My parents were the pastors of our church so I helped set up and tear down the church every week, but when I was in 7th grade, my parents separated and I went to live with my dad. I started hanging around with bad influences at school, I was getting suspended all the time and getting kicked out of different schools. When I started high school I was getting into worse trouble. I started using weed which eventually led to other things like psychedelics and pills, and at one point my mom and I had restraining orders against each other and I was so bitter and angry towards her.
In January of this year…
Karmin
Substance abuse was something I knew at an early age because everyone in my family was affected by it. My mom and dad were involved in drugs which caused us to struggle with having things like food, household items, and utilities like heat or gas. They divorced when I was 8 and then my mom left for about 5 or 6 years. Starting at the age of 13 I was bullied and had my first suicide attempt. In the next few years I had many overdoses, many suicide attempts, and I struggled with drugs, all in an effort to help cope with my anxiety and with all the family drama, and would cry for days from the emotional turmoil I was in. I then…
Isa
Before Springboard I was a lost, isolated 17-year-old. I was confused, alone, and done with life, but then I came to Springboard. For the first time in my life I had a chance to truly focus on myself and get a break from the confusion, loudness, and isolation of my life. At Springboard I received Jesus into my heart and I have never known quietness like this. I’ve never felt this peaceful, serene confidence before, and it is life changing. I know by completing this program I am not just helping myself, but my family as well. I know that Springboard saved my life and I am so thankful that I had this opportunity.
-Isa, 17
Macie
Before coming to Springboard I was an addict who was broken and lost. I’m currently 15 and Springboard has changed my life: I am such a different person than I was before doing the program. I never really liked myself before but Springboard has shown me that I am beautiful and worthy. Yes, I still struggle but I am so much happier than I was before. I now know Jesus and his love, and I know my worth. I know that God is real, and that even when I can’t see it or feel it, He is working! I no longer need drugs or boys to feel happy, and my relationship with my family is so much better. They have never left my side…
Abbey
“My name is Abbey and I grew up in a loving Christian family. However, at the age of 9, I started to be sexually abused by a relative. As a result, I hardened my heart towards God and struggled with an eating disorder. I fell into a pit of hopelessness and began using drugs and alcohol as an escape. After finding out I was pregnant and miscarrying, I wrote a letter to my parents, crying out for help.
They searched for a program for me, and found Springboard. I walked through the doors with every intention of not changing my beliefs about God, but the program wasn’t what I expected. I was immediately shown God’s love through the staff, I learned about having a personal…
