KEONA

Keona’s first months at Youth Villages’ Inner Harbour campus were rocky. She was lonely, depressed and aggressive toward herself and others.

“I didn’t have a will to live at that time,” Keona said. “I was hurting myself and wouldn’t accept help, but my Youth Villages team stuck by my side and changed my life forever.”

Inner Harbour is a residential treatment campus for youth with severe behavioral, emotional and mental health challenges, often caused by trauma. In Keona’s case, she was abandoned by her mother and left in her grandparents’ care.

“We worked on Keona’s self-esteem, because she used to blame herself for her behavior,” said April Sawyer, Keona’s therapist. “Now, she understands how trauma influences thoughts, emotions and behavior.”

Keona participated in individual therapy, as well as Youth Villages’ therapeutic drumming and mentoring programs.

These days, when Keona becomes frustrated by a peer, she walks away and takes a deep breath. She even helps other youth practice coping skills.

“I’m so proud of Keona’s progress,” April said. “She’s smart, creative and a leader.”

Keona is looking forward to high school, while continuing to work on her confidence.

“I am worthy, I am smart, I am beautiful,” Keona said. “Thanks to Ms. April, I believe these words now. Her positivity has helped me recognize that my life is worth living. Now, I can prove that I can make it out there myself.”