“When I first met Ms. Melisha, I was only 13 years old.  She was my counselor and life coach from a community program at the time when my life was a big mess. I was always acting out, getting into trouble, and not listening to anybody.  I would leave home and my family would have to report me missing . They told me I had a mental illness and I didn’t understand myself, and I felt like no else did either. But Ms. Melisha did. She didn’t judge me. She didn’t give up on me. She talked to me like I was somebody worth helping. She came to my home alot to do crisis interventions, and this was very helpful for my family.

She worked with my BOCES school team and talked to my parents in a way no one else ever could. She helped them see what I was going through and taught them how to help me instead of always fighting with me. She showed me how to calm down, think before I act, and make better choices. She was there for me at different hard times in my life, and she always kept her word. I left High school but later got my GED and always keep in touch with Ms. Melisha.

Now, I look back and realize she changed my life. I don’t know where I would be without her support and all the coping things she taught me. Today, I am a wife and a mother of two beautiful children, and I am living a life I never thought was possible. Because of Ms. Melisha, I learned that I could do better and be better. I am so grateful.

                                       - Angelica, youth