As Elly drove to the Residential Campus, memories of her 13-year-old self came flooding back—a time she describes as her “troublemaker” days. “I always say if I didn’t go to Orchard Place then I’d either be dead or in jail.” Elly brought her mother Chasidy with her to tour Jacobson House, a place she spent around a year educating herself on coping skills and anger management. “I still use the coping skills I learned here,” she shares.
Affected by self-harm, suicide attempts, hospital stays, and running away, Elly explains that she was angry with everybody. Chasidy chiming in agreed and remembered two instances when Elly was out of control. “She tried to steal a police car and kicked out the window,” she said. “Another time we had an argument and I sent her to bed. An hour later we felt this draft coming from her room and saw the window was open. It was December and we were in the middle of a snowstorm.” Elly had jumped from her window on the second floor and ran away. “We had to track her like a deer and follow her footprints.”
When the time came for Elly to receive help from Orchard Place, Chasidy was scared but knew this was the best decision for their family. “Before Orchard Place, we didn’t know how we were going to make it through the day. Our family was burnt out and then Orchard Place turned a helpless situation into a hopeful one.” Agreeing with her mother, Elly said, “Orchard Place is the way to go! They helped me a lot and I wouldn’t be the person I am today without you.”
Now at 25-years-old, Elly wants to go to college and become an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). “They help with people’s mental health. They’re the first call and they save lives,” she said. Knowing it’s a full circle moment, Chasidy commented, “Ever since she left Orchard Place, she’s wanted to help others.” Elly’s mental health journey is a testament to the impact Orchard Place has on Iowa’s youth. “I’m sure I’ve said, ‘thank you,’ a hundred million times! Everybody was so wonderful, and I can’t thank everyone enough,” said Chasidy. As Elly looks towards a future of helping others, it’s clear a sign that Orchard Place is making a positive and lasting impact. “I’m glad we made the right choice of bringing her here.”
