By the time most kids are learning how to drive a car, Alex had already spent time living on the street and bouncing from house to house. A 16-year-old Alex stood afraid at the doorstep of Idaho Youth Ranch Hays House in Boise not knowing what to expect. To him, this was yet another home where, he felt, he would be just another burden.
To Alex, Idaho Youth Ranch was just a group home�another stop on a train of temporary homes until he turned 18. Years of shame and disappointment made him afraid when he walked through the door. His family had lost their home and spent months bouncing between homeless shelters and staying with �friends.� Alex went into foster care after Social Services was notified about his excessive absences from school. When there was no place for him to go, his social worker brought him to Idaho Youth Ranch.
�There were stories of parents who did drugs to lose their house like my mom did, and stories of parents who left like my stepdad did,� said Alex. �I was still scared. I was still intimidated, but ultimately everyone was there because something bad was happening at home and I was relieved at that.�
Alex realized he wasn�t alone�that he wasn�t a burden and homelessness was not his fault. He learned he could forgive and grow. �I was so thankful that I could stay there. That I didn�t have to go the homeless shelter with my mother.�
Alex stayed with Idaho Youth Ranch for over a year. He learned that he could succeed academically and he learned how to build relationships.
�You don�t realize how much you learned until after you leave,� Alex said. �Whether you are aware of it or not, the things you learn about in those groups, in those sessions, there is no doubt you will use them.�
The trauma of homelessness is transforming. The only question is how will it transform the life of a young person. Treatment makes a difference. At Idaho Youth Ranch, we help kids turn pain into strength � the strength of compassion, of fortitude, of confidence. With our help kids turn away from their vison despair and begin to imagine a different future. Treating trauma transforms angry, scared young people into resilient and capable adults.
�I know that I�m going to college. I didn�t know that a year ago,� Alex said.
