The Following stories are sample cases of Whaley Children living the philosophy of the Circle of Courage.. The names have been changed to protect their privacy.

Belonging...

Before coming to Whaley, Jessica was a child who would antagonize others and do anything she could to annoy those around her. She struggled behaviorally at school and in the group home setting, would reject responsibility, refuse to see the importance of attending school, and she struggled to see the benefit of engaging
in interpersonal relationships.

In the past two years, Jessica grew from a young, immature girl into a respectable young lady; she now exemplifies the area of Belonging. She has dealt truthfully and successfully with the hurt feelings from her past and has allowed herself to be open to the suggestions and help from her treatment team at Whaley.

Through the perseverance of Jessica, her therapist, and the staff, she has begun to change and to be open to learning and practicing social skills that many of us take for granted. She has now established herself as a positive role model at the group home by frequently offering peers verbal support when they are struggling as well as offering to act as a peer mediator. Jessica also began attending school off site this year for the first time since being admitted to Whaley. This young lady has risen to this challenge and continues to be a role model for peers at school.

Jessica has recently opened her heart and head to the idea of being adopted. She has come to the realization that adoption does not mean she has to give up her natural family and her last name, but rather will have the privilege of being a member of two families and growing up in a “real” home rather than a residential setting. Jessica recently began visiting with a family and after the first visit along with a few phone calls with the adoptive family; she said, "I want to live with them. This is the family for me".

….more Whaley stories that will warm your heart…