24 February 2010

Celebrating with an AFH Graduate

On  Tuesday, Feb. 23, AFH staff members, volunteers, board members and residents were able to celebrate Melissa’s graduation. The celebration began with one of Melissa’s favorite vegetarian dishes: a sandwich with eggplant, roasted red peppers, parmesan & pesto. She also chose to have brownies and mint chocolate-chip ice cream for dessert. She and the other residents decorated the dining room and living room in yellow, Melissa’s favorite color. The ceremony started after the meal and included speeches from Jessica Dettmer, Director of Operations, Abbie Grandlienard, Advocate Director and Melissa, 2010 Graduate.
Melissa came to A Friend’s House struggling with self-harm, an eating disorder and severe depression. “I thought I came here to work on my issues but really I needed to work most on my character, and that was a slow and painful process. I was prideful, but I had a lot of life skills to learn that I missed growing up,” said Melissa.
Melissa thanked staff members for never giving up on her, showing her love and being the family she never had. She also told the other residents, “You allowed me to freely be myself, and showed me that I am a person worth getting to know.”
Abbie Grandlienard, Melissa’s advocate, spoke about the progress Melissa made through the program, and also offered encouragement for her to succeed as she graduates. She reminded Melissa to reach out to her support system when she needed help. “There will be hard times to come, but all you have to do is ask and you won’t have to go through them alone,” said Abbie.
Congratulations Melissa!