12. November 2008 by admin.

Dear all,
I just spoke with Vincent Royal (28 y/o) and also learn about Kelly Tedley. Vince lives in St. Louis and Kelly in New Mexico. They reconnected several years ago. Vince works for Sears (10 years now) and Kelly’s wife is some “big wig” for a government computer agency. Kelly has two children (Vince thought) and Vince has three children. Vince is currently not married though as a significant other and they have a 17 month old girl. His significant other is studying to be radiologist.

For those that remember Vincent and Kelly, they were in placement here about 15 years ago. They both have fond and wonderful memories of CBR. They both “found” their lives here and thinking back today wished they could have lived the remainder of their adolescent’s lives here at CBR. Their most cherished memories of CBR are of the people they came to know and eventually “love”. Vince said you do not always understand what that means until you return love (meaning the experiences with his own children). Both Vince and Kelly feel CBR changed, and in many ways, “saved” their individual lives. He calls back today just to say hi and to check in. He tells me he is happy and healthy and …well “ok”.

We laughed together and reminisced about the old days. He tells me – “I want you guys around for another 50 years.”

Martin Masar
Executive Director

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13. August 2008 by vzimmerman.

The popular Latin slogan, Carpe Diem, or “seize the day,” and the equally popular “make the most of every day” are often voiced, but seldom carried out. However, for a boy or young man at CBR YouthConnect, it is vital that today and every day be important and meaningful. Today and every day means that no matter what his ethnic origin, hair color, height, weight, hairstyle or walk, each CBR YouthConnect youth is given an abundance of care and support. “Today and every day” becomes an abiding message that each youth can carry with him throughout his life’s journey.

Such is the case with Josie, who arrived at CBR after unsuccessful placements at various group homes and residential treatment facilities. Jose grew up in a low-income urban neighborhood with a single-parent mother, and several siblings. The only other significant adult in his life was his mother’s boyfriend who physically and emotionally abused Josie from age 5 until he was placed in out-of-home care at age 13. Josie attended public school for a while, but was repeatedly involved in acting-out behavior, including frequent altercations.

At CBR YouthConnect, Josie distanced himself from the other youth and staff and tried to “just fit in.” However, the more attention, support, and care Josie received, the more his acting out behavior increased. We soon discovered that Josie was scared to get close to anyone. He had always felt safer being left alone in the shadows. Despite early resistance, Josie began to respond to the programs and services offered at CBR YouthConnect. He began to view himself as a more significant person with some true potential as an artist. As Josie’s time to leave CBR YouthConnect and return home approached, he talked about his life journey to that point—from being in the shadows to becoming more secure and confident in his role as a contributing member of society.

“I know what has come before and what I have gone through,” Josie explained. “I tried to cope by becoming invisible and distancing myself from others. When the pressures became too great, I would act out to be noticed. It has taken some time, therapy, and working in the programs and services at CBRYC, but I now feel whole. I don’t think I need to shrink or become invisible anymore. I know that I am and can be an important person. I want to be the right person for me. I want that today and every day.”

As with Josie, CBR YouthConnect’s commitment to helping youth and their families make the connections that inspire change continues to happen today and every day.

Posted in Youth, Treatment, Clinical, Parents | No Comments »

23. June 2008 by nvannote.

The purpose of The YouthConnect Chronicle is to provide you with resources, understanding, and insight regarding mental health, as well as a forum for families and teens to discuss dealing with mental illness.

It is our hope that you will find the knowledge and support you desire.

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24. April 2008 by nvannote.

“Youth is happy because it has the ability to see beauty. Anyone who keeps the ability to see beauty never grows old.”  – Franz Kafka, Czech writer

 Our culture tells us that teens should feel happy.  After all, the youth of today have a lot more to be happy – and unhappy – about, right?  Well, this is your place to share what’s really going on in your life.  Do you just want to let other teens know what life is like for you?  Do you want to know if other kids feel the same way you do?  Maybe you can offer your own insights to someone.  We would love to hear from you.

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24. April 2008 by nvannote.

Are you a counselor, social worker, psychologist, or other professional who would like to discuss a particular mental health disorder?  Here’s the place to ask questions, post your thoughts, and get feedback from our clinicians and other mental health professionals.

Posted in Treatment, Clinical | 2 Comments »