"Despite a history of trauma, homelessness, economic hardship, failure in school, emotional challenges and a history of substance abuse, Jimmy was able to take advantage of the structure provided both at CHS and his one.Vision school. While here in placement, Jimmy managed to earn mostly A’s and B’s in school.  In addition, he became a better musician because he allowed himself to become a teachable human being.  Jimmy is also a good baker.  He could be found on many occasions in the Aspen kitchen mixing up his latest and greatest goodie.  He also learned and practiced socially appropriate ways of communicating with other people. Jimmy successfully graduated from the his treatment program. Our hope is that he continues to allow himself to continue to learn and grow in his life."

Jimmy's Success Story

"When 12 year old Bella arrived on the Cypress Cottage she faced many challenges. She didn’t have a lot of family support and struggled with anxiety and depression. Bella had been through a lot and was just looking for a place she could call home. At first Bella struggled in placement; she had difficulty fitting in with older age peers. Slowly and with the help of a lot of people, Bella began to change her thinking. She started to gain some maturity and some insight into her behaviors. Things started to change for her at school as well and she made the Honor Roll. She graduated the program successfully in a year and was able to transition to a foster/adopt home. She lives with her new family in Southern California and is living an amazing life. Bella’s determination and hard work finally paid off; she found a new place to call home."

Bella's Success Story

"William arrived at CHS like many of our students without an extra set of clothing and a look of mistrust. William and his other siblings suffered horrific abuse at the hands of his stepfather. His biological mother was involved in drugs. His biological father struggled with drug abuse and anger management issues and wasn't present in his life growing up. He struggled for months trying to learn new skills to control and cope with his anger. He had to change his way of thinking and the beliefs that justified many of his inappropriate behaviors. Once he began to trust the CHS staff he became motivated to change. William left CHS with a 3.85 G.P.A. and graduated with a high school diploma. He enrolled in a local community college and participated in an Independent Living Work Program. His biological father is back in his life with a very supportive and strong stepmother. It helped a great deal for William to witness his father accept responsibility for his past indiscretions and shortcomings. He recognized the healthy supportive environment at Children’s Home of Stockton and took advantage of all that was offered proving he could be succcessful on his own."

William's Success Story

"Justin came to the Children’s Home of Stockton (CHS) when he was 15 years old. Due to his history of gang involvement and drug abuse, Justin had a lot of changes to make in his life before transitioning back home. Before placement at CHS, Justin had learned to cope with stress and disappointment by self-medicating. Instead, he had to learn how to tackle these emotions head-on. Over the course of his treatment he also learned to communicate his thoughts and feelings appropriately, develop empathy for others, effectively manage his anger, and improve his relationship with his adoptive parents. Justin showed dedication to his treatment, school, and relationships. He came to recognize how the decisions he made in the present were impacted by the choices he had made in the past, so he was able to break the cycle of negative behaviors. After a year at CHS, Justin successfully graduated from the program and returned to his family and public high school. "

Justin's Success Story

"Coming from a background of multi-generational abuse, Mark faced a myriad of challenges related to empathy, anger, impulsivity and self-esteem. In addition to the challenges of treatment, he would often struggle with academics. During his stay at CHS, staff worked tirelessly to ensure he remained focused on his treatment program and academic goals. Mark received endless support and encouragement of his grandparents which motivated him to complete all his requirements. Mark graduated the progra, successfully and obtained his High School Diploma. Since graduating, he has pursued his passion for cars and his dream of becoming an auto mechanic. It is worth noting that, despite his unique set of challenges, he was not one to dwell on his weaknesses or seek pity from others. Mark is living proof that past is not necessarily prologue, that positive change is possible, and that goals are most certainly achievable with the help of caring professionals, loved ones, and a healthy dose of determination."

Mark's Success Story

"At 13, David, feeling the strain of living at a broken home, would often turn to friends for escape and support. He started to drink alcohol, smoke marijuana, skip school, and get into fights. He also began to associate with gang members. David was finally placed at the Children’s Home of Stockton. He struggled with the rules and expectations at first and would give in to. After a year in placement, he began to focus on his program and stop trying to impress his peers.  He learned to communicate more effectively with each of his parents during family therapy sessions and visits.  He finally took responsibility for his negative behaviors and the pain he caused his family.  David grew emotionally and was able to show empathy to others rather than only thinking of himself.  He became a positive role model for his peers and would often help them to problem solve with others. David graduated the program and was able to return home to his mother and the community.  His relationships with his parents and whole family had greatly improved. He was able to hold his head high and show his family that he could change. "

David's Success Story