Pathways to Powerful Life Change

School has always been a place of refuge for 14-year-old Andrea. School meant safety, security, and a dependable meal. You see, things at Andrea’s home were not easy.

Last year, Andrea’s older sister, Brianna, turned 18 and left the home they shared with their father. Brianna had been Andrea’s lifeline for as long as she could remember. Brianna ensured her little sister got to school, her homework was complete, her clothes were clean, and she was fed. In her absence, Andrea struggled to do it on her own while also navigating physical and emotional abuse from her father.

Burdened by the stress, Andrea struggled with anxiety, depression, anger, disrupted sleep, and self-harm. With no one around to help keep her accountable for her schoolwork, Andrea continually fell behind in school as her insecurities consumed her. When she eventually stopped attending, she was placed in the custody of South Carolina Department of Social Services.

Because you believe ALL children should have a safe, loving environment where they can learn and grow, Andrea was placed in Thornwell’s A.R.C. Residential Program and began a journey to healing.

For the first time in a long time, Andrea had a support system that would fight for her success. She was enrolled in school and began to experience the joy school used to bring her! She worked weekly in therapy and realized that the better she felt on the inside, the easier it was to concentrate in the classroom. Before long, she started to rediscover herself. Friendships were found, her passion for learning grew, and Andrea began to find peace within herself. She even ended the school year with five A’s on her report card!
During her time at Thornwell, Brianna visited twice a month and shared with Andrea’s therapists that she had been working hard to create a safe home where Andrea could live.

This past summer, DSS completed a home study on Brianna’s new home. Andrea enjoyed transitional weekend visits with her sister to foster a fresh and healthy home environment. Today, Andrea has her own room and a desk where she can do her homework. Most importantly, she’s safe and supported by her sister and Thornwell’s continuum of care!

Because of the love and support we received from YOU, Andrea reunited with her sister and unearthed her passion for education. Andrea says she now aspires to become a teacher and help others achieve their goals.

Thank you for creating pathways to positive life change!