The Story of Mark

Mark’s dad often disappeared. For years, he was in and out of rehab, and in and out of Mark’s life. The chaos and the alcoholism in his home, growing up, created an environment for emotional abandonment and physical abuse. By the time he was 13 years old, Mark was using alcohol on a daily basis, and getting into trouble at school and with the law.

Mark’s older brother, Tom, started to attend a local church and became interested in spiritual things. Eventually, Mark attended with him, and became a Christian. However, Mark soon realized that his problem ran very deep, and although his life had changed significantly, he still had a very hard time getting along with his peers.

Fortunately, Mark had a very perceptive and caring Youth Pastor who recognized his need for help. The call was made to our Clinic, saying that Mark was a very angry person, and that he feared Mark would hurt someone if he did not receive some intervention.

Mark now attends a recovery group for teens as well as individual weekly counseling sessions. Although his dad is still not around, Mark has found significant friendship with a father-figure that was arranged through his church. We are now seeing slow and yet steady changes in Mark’s life as he begins to rebuild what was taken from him–a healthy and life-giving childhood.

YOUR support has helped changed Mark’s entire future. He thanks you! One of our goals this year is to start teen groups for boys. The need is overwhelming. Your contributions are being used to support the following:

• Our scholarship fund for teens at risk
• Family counseling for the working poor
• Girls in crisis groups
• Program Director