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Success Stories
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 I am a success in life because of the impact that the staff members, working
with my family, had on my life. The skills learned at St. Rose help me to this day- how I interact with people, raise my children, and communicate in the work environment. It helped me become a much better person.
Kim, Former Resident
I would like to share with St. Rose my story of success. I came to St. Rose in January of 1997. I was 16 years old at the time. I was a drug addict and had many problems. I was able to learn to cope with my problems. I was taught self discipline through the phases. I learned
to function in a family setting. I left the program in June 1998 on my 18th birthday. I was able to graduate from my hometown school after learning to be a student at St. Rose.
I feel very fortunate to have ended up in the good hands of St. Rose. Since my successful discharge, I have worked as a drug counselor, working with adolescents. I have almost 4 years of continuous sobriety. I have also been able to enjoy living with my family. I now live on
my own and I am going to college to become an official drug counselor. This would not have been possible without the aid of St. Rose.
Beth, Former Resident
Since St. Rose came into my family life, my heart has been filled with joy. It was last November. I hadn't had any letters or visits from my children, since my incarceration the previous March. I feared they didn’t want to have anything to do with me. I felt empty inside.
The same month I was signed up with St. Rose, I saw my children. My whole world was turned around for the better. I couldn’t believe that someone could care enough to have brought my babies to see me. I want to thank St. Rose (Family Reunification Program) for all the support
they have given to me and my family-through visits, groups, and counseling. I hope that every mom gets the chance to see their children at least once a month.
Eva, Family Reunification Program Participant
When I first teamed up with St. Rose, it was at a time in my life when I was at my lowest point. I had nothing except for the clothing on my back and the determination to change my situation...a few short months ago, I was residing in a shelter, but even still, I remained steadfast
in my efforts. I wouldn’t let my living situation dampen my spirits...shortly after that, everything seemed to fall into place...I began to listen to myself more and in doing that, I knew that I wanted to become a Computer Technician, so I enrolled in school. That step marked
the turning point in my life...I ended up being offered an internship through my instructor with the hope of being hired. I was. Finally, I had gotten myself to a point where I was fully capable of supporting my two-year-old.
Ashanta, Family Reunification Program Participant
Larry’s daughter Nicole was a Day Treatment Student when she passed away unexpectedly in April 2002. Nicole had been a Day Treatment student for 8 months and was making great progress before her death. Nicole had begun to set goals for herself and knew what she needed to work
on to succeed. Larry recognized that Nicole was more in control of her feelings and that the Day Treatment Program was having a very good effect on his daughter. Larry was present at the 2002 Graduation Ceremony to accept Nicole’s Award for “Most Consistent Overall Progress
in the Program”.
Larry later contacted St. Rose to express his appreciation for the progress Nicole made while in the Day Treatment Program. He felt the passing of his daughter was made a little bit easier with the progress she had made, stating it would have been even more difficult a year
ago. Larry wanted to create a lasting memorial for his daughter. The award that Nicole won has been renamed the “Nicole Maenpaa Award for Consistent Overall Progress in the Program”. Each year two girls will receive the award, a gift certificate for $100 and have their names
engraved on a plaque, which will hang here at St. Rose. Larry is funding the award as a memorial tribute to his daughter and the care she received at St. Rose Youth & Family Center, Inc.
Larry, Parent Former Day Student
I just want you to know how special you are to me. I am very thankful I got to meet all of you, and have the relationships we shared. You helped me become more of an adult. You taught me how to express my feelings, in a positive way. I learned how to be more open and willing
to take on a challenge. You listened to me when I had things on my mind, and gave me advice to help. In a million ways I wish I never went down that dark path, but in thousands of ways I’m glad I did, because I learned a lot about myself and who I am. You all have a special
place in my heart.
Mallory, Former Resident
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