Transformation Stories

Letter from a student in a Wesley Spectrum Specialized Education Program:

I would like to express how much I appreciate the fact that you helped me to go on one of the best field trips I’ve ever been on. First of all, I would like to say that it was a very pleasant surprise to know you would be able to help me do something so fun. It was completely unexpected, which made it even better....

...I can’t express how thankful I am to have two wonderful people running our school and I thank you so much for letting me experience something so fun. I truly wish I’d spent the last three years at this, rather than failing at my old school. Wesley has changed my life for the better and I will never forget all you’ve done for me. Thank you.

Letter from a parent of a child in the Family and Child Development Center's Music Therapy Program:

Many professionals have worked with my son, DJ. Very few of them have been able to enter his world. Katie Harrill, Wesley Spectrum Music Therapist, is one of those people who have achieved this and so much more. The sheer joy on DJ's face during a music therapy session brings tears to me eyes. Katie has brought words to DJ's 6 year silence. Words we thought we would never hear. Wesley's music therapy is a vital part of DJ's life and his continuing success. Thank you Katie!

Letter from a parent of a child in the Wesley Spectrum Family and Child Development Center:

I just want to take this opportunity to thank you and ALL of the other people at Wesley Spectrum for the fantastic job you guys do every single day. I can't say enough about the impact that the Wesley program has made on Bob's* life -- almost every time I picked him up from Wonder Kids, the program for that day was based on some specific issue Bob had a need to work on. Bob has made really great strides in the social arena, mostly based on things that all the therapists have worked on with him when he would come to Wonder Kids. I've recommended the program to at least two other families, and will continue to do so.

Letter from a parent of a child in the Family and Child Development Center's Music Therapy Program:

When Sammi started music therapy she was so verbally limited that my only manner of communicating with her was to let her fill in random words to songs we would sing together(ie: I would sing Mary had a little....and Sammi would be able to sing lamb). Music was the only window we had into her mind. Once she began music therapy that window opened into a whole world. The music therapist was able to reach her in a multitude of ways we didn't have the skills to. The instruments, the rhythm, the movement, etc. expanded the ways she could communicate. Then later it has given her coping skills to improve her behavior and ways of expression, reducing her frustration and anxiety. Sammi has been coming to music therapy for 5 years and through that, in conjunction with speech therapy she is now a very talkative, communicative, happy, music loving, little girl.

Letter from a parent of a child in the Family and Child Development Center's Music Therapy Program:

Music therapy has been a welcome addition to Spencer’s often jumbled-up world. While sometimes the simplest communication is difficult for Spencer, it is clear that music is a preferred mode of communication for him and something he is “good at.” He can be himself and just simply have fun while not necessarily realizing he is “working.” Another benefit has been that his younger brother (so far a typical child) attends group music therapy with him. It has been one of the few activities where the boys can be a part of something fun together and seem like normal brothers. So much of Spencer’s day is spent on “have to’s”…having to work on the things he struggles with that are second nature for typical kids. It’s been nice to find a therapy that is actually enjoyable for him.

Robbie Finds His Forever Family

The search for permanency:

Robbie* was referred to Wesley Spectrum Adoption Services over a year ago. Since age five, he had been in and out of many different placements, back and forth between his birth mother and other temporary placements. By the age of eleven, he had been enrolled in ten different public schools. While at one placement, Robbie’s siblings were all adopted and Robbie was left alone, again without a permanent home.

When Robbie came to Wesley Spectrum, he told his Wesley Spectrum Adoption Specialist that he didn’t want to be adopted. After some therapeutic sessions, it was revealed that he did indeed want to give adoption a try; Robbie was only refusing it because he simply couldn’t take the idea of being rejected once again. He revealed that he indeed wanted a “forever family.”

Around the same time, the Fisher* family called Wesley Spectrum to say they were interested in becoming adoptive parents. They went through the screening certification process and were approved to provide Foster Care and Adoptive services.

The Fishers met Robbie a few times and they wanted to adopt him; and, last summer, Robbie was placed with the Fisher family for Foster Care. The Fishers were committed to Robbie, but they realized it would be hard work.

Therapeutic support for the entire family:

Robbie’s Wesley Spectrum Foster Care worker knew that for the placement to be successful, Robbie would need to receive mental heath services and support. Robbie had been receiving services periodically from a different organization, and the Wesley Spectrum staff felt that Robbie and the Fishers would benefit from the Wesley Spectrum Family-Based Mental Health Services—family therapy in the home for children who are experiencing serious emotional difficulties. Robbie and his family began meeting with a therapist approximately twice a week. They created meaningful goals and solutions to parenting and child development concerns.

Education:

The family was in contact with the Wesley Spectrum Foster Care Worker, and also met regularly with the Wesley Spectrum Family Based Services Therapist. However, Robbie was behind in school. He had moved around so much and fallen behind, but he also needed more than the standard educational support classroom at his public school. His therapists thought that he could benefit from the Wesley Spectrum Highland Services School. He was a fit for Highland and quickly transitioned into the school. At Wesley Spectrum Highland, Robbie receives the extra support that he needs and—despite the hour long bus ride—he is actually excited to get up and go to school in the morning.

Three weeks after Robbie began school at Highland, his adoption was finalized and he now has a permanent place to call home. Equally important, the Fisher family has been supported by Wesley Spectrum from all angles over the past few years. The Wesley Spectrum staff is happy to provide Robbie and the Fisher Family with a continuum of high quality services to meet all of their needs.

The following letter was written from a student that was in the Wesley Highland Services Program.

To All Staff,

You probably remember me as the shy, anti-social but sweet little girl who started there in fifth grade and left in eighth grade. Thanks to you all, I have moved on to better and bigger things in my life, but with out you I could not have accomplished all the things that I have in the past five years.

It was you who said to go out and fulfill your dreams and it was you who helped me to the make the hardest transition in my life-- leaving all my friends and teachers to go on to a new school. Nothing could replace the warmth and friendliness of Wesley Highland that I felt from the first day to the last day.

I can still remember my first day of school. It was such a big transition from a big bus to a small cab, from a big school with taunting children and frustrated teachers to kids who made me feel at home and teachers who brought me into their classrooms with open arms and open hearts. I felt so welcomed and understood and it was like a dream come true. I had so many problems that I did not know how to deal with and you all taught me how to cope and how to beat them with confidence and self-esteem.

You brought me out my anti-social ness helping me to make friends and to speak up when I needed help and was in trouble. I hope someday that I can pass on my teachings to someone else who is in my situation-- so I can help them as you have helped me.

A lot has happened since I left Wesley. I am 16 now and currently working at a small convenience store. Also, I am happy to say I am the proud aunt of my seven month old niece. But, my greatest accomplishment this year is me going back to public school full-time!!! I never thought I could do it; but here I am. It is the biggest goal I have achieved and without you it would not have been possible. You all are my angels. Your gift of life to me is a gift that I hold deep in my heart-- it is a gift that that's made me who I am today. I am sending you a school picture to show everyone how I have grown from that shy anti-social girl to the strong and confident girl I am today thanks again.

Mother’s Letter to CEO, as a response to an Invitation to the Presentation of Outcomes

Dear Mr. Muetzel:

Three years ago, my son came to Wesley Academy as a disillusioned, angry young man. He was the product of the public school system that knew of his disability and failed to address it. During his time in public school, he was constantly ridiculed, picked on and blamed for everything that occurred. I was even told by the principal to remove my son from her school she didn't want him there.

I, on the other hand, became nervous, anxious, dreading each school day, afraid to leave my house for fear that something would occur.

Since my son has attended Wesley, he has bloomed. He has become the sweet loving child that I thought I had lost. He attends schools every day and even looks forward to it.

The staff at Wesley Academy helped turn my son around, they showed him that not every teacher was a monster. They showed him that they cared, helped him make the right choices, helped him become more self confident and out going, but more importantly happy.

I can't praise Wesley Institute enough for all their hard work in showing tomorrows children the right path instead of the path of self degradation and destruction.

Thank you

Mother’s Letter to Academy Assistant Director

Sam* and I went to his therapist on Wednesday. He told Bob that he is happy at Wesley and that at his old school; no one was ever patient with him. That made me sad for Sam, and glad at the same time. Although he might not always agree with you guys, he is in an environment where he is surrounded by patience and caring . . . and that is what he feels now. Probably the first time in this little guy's life.

So, know that I appreciate your efforts and caring for my son every second of every day. I am no longer nervous during the time he is in school, waiting for the next nasty phone call (like I used to be)!

Letter from an Academy Parent

Thank you so much for your help and encouragement with Keith. More importantly though, thank you for helping every child at Wesley Academy. Through your services, my son, who at one time had difficulty expressing his emotions, now smiles more frequently and has built up his self-esteem significantly.

Your staff has changed the path that Keith was once on. With your help, my son’s overall demeanor has improved, bringing peace to our home and has helped us become stronger and closer as a family.

Letter from a mother of a Wesley Highland Student

My son *Erik is 9 years old and began at Highland during the 2002-2003 school year. Our experience with Highland thus far has been amazing. My son has changed for the better in every way since he started at Highland. Before Highland, he was in the public school system. He struggled with his work, was uninterested in school and was constantly being suspended.

We decided to remove him from his public school and place him at Highland. Once there, counselors and therapists diagnosed him with Asperger’s disorder and severe ADD/ADHD. What’s great about Highland is that they took the time to figure out what troubled my son. At public school, they just labeled Erik as “a bad kid.” Now, because of Highland, Erik likes to learn. The teachers at Wesley taught him the right ways to learn so he takes the initiative himself. I just want to give the teachers at Highland a big hug. James wouldn’t be where he is today if it weren’t for Highland.

-mother of Wesley Highland student

Letter from a mother of a Wesley Highland Student

My daughter Sue* was enrolled at Highland when she was in third grade. She’s now 13 years old and since she first began at Highland, she’s made leaps and bounds in showing an interest in school and making friends. Prior to Highland, Sue couldn’t keep up in her public school. She had very little interest in school and was not motivated to learn. That all changed once she arrived at Highland.

At Highland, her therapists diagnosed her with ADD/ADHD and she has recently been diagnosed with obsessive compulsive disorder. Yet, even though Sue is afflicted with these problems, Highland staff and counselors offer her the individual attention she needs and also provide her with the proper coping skills to overcome her problems. Teachers found a great way to focus on Sue’s best learning attributes and use them to encourage her to focus on all subjects that she studies.

Since she’s been at Wesley, Sue has transformed into a wonderful student and enjoys going to school everyday. Now, Sue loves to read and is motivated to complete her school work. She’s built wonderful relationships and loves the extended school year program – where she can socialize with friends and have fun while still learning. I am so thankful that we found Highland and I know that Sue wouldn’t be as successful if it weren’t for them.

-mother of Wesley Highland student

Child Letter to Program Supervisor:

Dear Ms. Sophia,

I’m writing to inform you of my therapist, Julie Provident. I’m not sure if you are aware of the trauma that had occurred to me throughout the weekend, but Ms. Julie really helped me though this rough time. It’s not very easy for me to open up to people and Ms. Julie has been so easy for me to talk to. She’s a wonderful person. I don’t’ know how I can thank her for taking time out of her weekend to come and help me. At times, when I’m feeling saturated with the many reoccurring struggles in my life, she is the only person who can keep me at ease. There is no way for me to express how grateful I am for having Julie as a therapist. I just feel that her devotion to her children (patients) should not go on without being recognized. Thank you Ms. Sophia for having Ms. Julie be my therapist. She has helped me out so much and I’ll never forget the things she has showed me to help me make my life easier.

*Diane Shultz

Child explaining her own “success story”:

When I came into S.T.E.P I was wreck. I never smiled; I hated anyone who was a teacher form. I mean you could be Brad Pitt teaching a class and I would hate you... and I love Brad Pitt, so you do the math. Also, I hated going to school. I would always complain about my stomach, wanting to go home. I was always a loner. I wouldn’t talk to anyone. I would withdraw from the crowd.

As the school year went on, I did change. I started interacting with my peers. I confided in my teacher. My complaints that weren't true did stop. I learned ways to get friends. I learned a lot but the thing that will always stick with me is the lesson that everyone taught me-- to always believe in yourself no matter what anyone said.

The accomplishments I've made were: trusting people and wanting to go to school to learn. I also learned to believe in myself. A couple of goals I want to accomplish are being my best, doing my best, and not settling for anything less than that. Because in my heart, I know I can do more than what I have done.

Those are my improvements. I have left the S.T.E.P Program going into Wesley Highland, with all my accomplishments and goals, hoping I can achieve my goals and make more accomplishments. So if anyone is in the same place as I was before, let me tell you, you can change. I didn't know that until I entered the S.T.E.P program. So I just want to say thanks to all of you at the S.T.E.P Program. My name is *Suzanne and I am a success story.

*Names have been changed to protect confidentiality.
All stories printed with permission.

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