Marie’s Story | Rediscovering Hope

When twin sisters Marie and Layla were born, they tested positive for narcotics.

As a result, they were immediately placed into foster care. Their foster mom, Julie, was glad to help the infants. A few years later, she would adopt them. As a single mom, Julie always worked hard to ensure each daughter felt loved, supported, and important.

However, as the twins grew, Marie constantly questioned herself, fearing she wasn’t Good enough.

By middle school, Marie stopped caring about her schoolwork, showed signs of trouble with friends, began vaping and consuming alcohol, broke the rules, and experienced emotional breakdowns. Julie was desperate to help Marie and was eventually referred to Thornwell’s A.R.C. Residential program.

Because Thornwell’s supportive community believes ALL children should have a safe, loving environment where they can learn and grow, Marie discovered her pathway to healing.

Her first three months at Thornwell were challenging. Marie was tough and had built up walls. She needed time to adjust. She was met with love and patience and would slowly build trust. She found a breakthrough in having a routine and began developing healthy relationships. Marie found a place where she felt she belonged and thrived.

Last school year, Marie’s academics improved tremendously. She participated in a gateway group for substance abuse on campus and recently graduated the program. She now has tools and resources to use when she feels the urge to “escape.”

Marie has now rediscovered herself in a healing environment that offers love, support, and therapeutic intervention!

Today, Marie is known as a leader within her cottage and regularly visits her mother and sister. As she progresses, Julie and Layla remain partners in Marie’s healing and are preparing for her eventual return home.

Stories like these happen because Thornwell’s supportive community helped lay a foundation for healing and hope!