Ashley was 15 years old when she came to Orchard Place. Now, as an adult, she occasionally likes to rewind the clock and reminisce about the growth she experienced.
Ashley navigated through social hiccups, battled emotional rollercoasters, and experienced anxiety. But stepping into Aliber House felt like walking into a warm hug, with staff taking the time to help her mental health needs. “Sending a child to a Treatment Center can be difficult, but I want to assure you, this program made me a better person emotionally, psychologically, and academically,” said Ashley. “I came from a very unstable background and needed guidance to become a healthier being.”
From a young age, Ashley explained she was physically and mentally abused before coming to Orchard Place. She wore an invisible badge that labeled herself as a “threat” in her own home. “I struggled with social skills. I needed help getting my emotions in check and I didn’t know how to cope in a healthy way.” Ashley’s strained relationship with her parents made her have feelings of depression and anxiety, that eventually led to stealing, running away, and a suicide attempt.
With the support of her therapist and Orchard Place staff, Ashley says her experience on campus was life changing. “They let me understand that people make mistakes and that in life it’s never too late to make things right or start over.”
Orchard Place allowed Ashley to:
- Focus on herself
- Feel comforted when she was scared or sad
- Explore her emotional intelligence
- Focus on school
- Live in a healthy environment
Ashley, now rocking the “mom of three” badge and married with a human resources degree, credits Orchard Place for enabling her personal growth and teaching her valuable life skills. “I went from an immature teenager to a well-behaved young adult. But more importantly, I use the knowledge I obtained from Orchard Place to this day.”