> About Us
History
About Us
Board Members
> Programs/Services
> Foster Parenting
> Events
> Success Stories
> Testimonials
> Photo Gallery
> Audio/Video
> Newsletter
> Affiliations
> Forms

> Give Now
> Employment
> Contact Us
> Home

Success Stories

The Potential of a Safe Place

On November 4, we held a celebration at the Secret Harbor office to recognize a major success milestone reached by 14-year-old "Andrew".

When Andrew first joined our foster care program at age 12, he was very troubled. He was coming to Secret Harbor from a very tough and unsafe childhood. He lost his mother to drug abuse when he was just 5. He had multiple issues including violent aggression and suicidal ideation. Yet at the same time Andrew had math and science scores that placed him at the freshman college level. He was inquisitive, and also able to set goals for himself.

At first Andrew challenged the Secret Harbor rules and complained about the consequences of his actions. But he quickly recognized that these rules were leading him in a good direction for his life and set his ultimate goal, which was to work his way down the levels of care, and eventually out of treatment. The journey wasn't without its bumps, but in less than two years Andrew accomplished his goal.

Our celebration was over his new guardianship to foster parent Malka Golden-Wolfe. Under a guardianship, legal authority is transferred to the foster parents to make decisions on the child's behalf. The guardianship also gives Andrew a 'promise'--ensuring he will be able to stay with his foster parent until he becomes 18 years old. This guardianship could not have happened without the level and quality of intervention that an agency like Secret Harbor can provide.

Andrew's story reflects the types of challenges and choices children in foster care face. In Andrew's case, the Secret Harbor program helped him figure out how to make better choices, which were then rewarded with a safe place in which to mature into adulthood. Probably most important for his future success is that Andrew now takes responsibility for his actions and understands how his actions create consequences - both good and bad.

Secret Harbor is grateful to have many caring, generous foster parents in its program. Our heartfelt thanks go out to Malka, for being so dedicated and committed to Andrew's growth and future success.