Jack

When Jack arrived at Safe Station emergency shelter, he seemed depressed, withdrawn and was possibly suicidal. After witnessing his father commit domestic violence, Jack moved in with a relative who struggled to cope with him and the issues he faced. His relative told school counselors that Jack had been lying and stealing and he showed little respect for authority. Jack also received 17 detentions at school within a 5-week period. His relative had had enough and needed a break from Jack, so Jack was given a choice: the Juvenile Justice Center or Safe Station. Jack chose the shelter; "At least I won't be locked up," he said.

During his first days at the shelter, Jack hung his head low and refused to make eye contact with others. He seemed desperate, isolated, self-absorbed and hopeless; his only refuge from his problems was to play video games for hours on end. When residents first come to Safe Station, they are placed at Level 1, the status with the least responsibility and number of privileges at the shelter. The resident counselors were surprised and delighted when, within a matter of a few days, Jack achieved the highest status for residents at the shelter, Level 5. "Most kids take a few weeks to achieve Level 5," according to Mary Poczik, Director of Safe Station.

At Level 5, kids have taken a leadership role among the residents, demonstrated responsibility for specific tasks and household chores, and shown initiative; they also are given special privileges and additional opportunities to interact with staff. Karen Davies, Safe Station's Therapist, said it was remarkable to witness. "Within a few days, Jack evolved into a model for his peers. He physically changed as well; he stood taller and looked me in the eye." Realizing that there were no simple solutions to his problems, he told shelter staff, "You can't make dad not beat mom, can't make mom come back, can't get dad out of jail, and can't get my family back together. The only one who can help is God." Although Safe Station could not bring Jack's family back together, the supportive staff and shelter's guidelines were successful in helping Jack begin to heal. Residents are expected to interact with each other as well as with staff. Their access to privileges, such as video games, is limited, inviting them to participate in the life of the shelter and not be isolated. In addition, Jack's needs were met; if he asked for something (within reason), he received it. Not only did Jack learn to trust the shelter staff, the staff learned to trust Jack as shown through his attainment of Level 5 so quickly. As a result, Jack's self-esteem improved and he gained some self-confidence.

Although typically Safe Station works to reunite children with their immediate families, Jack's situation was different. Essentially, he didn't have a family to return to. The staff discovered that Jack had a sister living with relatives in another part of the State and that these relatives would be willing to have Jack come live with them as well. Within four weeks of his arrival at Safe Station, Jack reunited with his sister and extended family. Although no one can foresee the future, it is clear that through his time at Safe Station, Jack's future appears a little brighter than it did prior to his stay.

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