The stories we report here are actual client cases. They are the children, parents, couples and individuals we work with every day. For most, their names, photos and some details have been changed to protect their privacy. But some of our clients are strong advocates for the services they received, and tell their stories through video. All offer their stories so you can better understand how lives can be changed when someone in need asks for our help.
When John was a young boy, he was constantly surrounded by unhealthy influences, including his own family. His parents, Sam and Michelle, and his uncle Jack all struggled with methamphetamine use. John witnessed them using it daily. They also used physical abuse as a punishment anytime they thought he misbehaved. As a result, he started using methamphetamine regularly at the age of 12 and became addicted to it for more than 20 years.
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Jason spent his childhood in Iowa and was very close to both of his parents. He had many physical health problems when he was young, and as he got older, Jason struggled in school. His teachers labeled him as lazy and unmotivated. Jason knew that was not who he was, and it took him decades to understand why he felt so different from other people.
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As a child, Leelynn grew up in a healthy and safe home with two loving parents. She spent much of her time growing up in Iowa, and moved to Omaha with her family when she was 17 years old. Soon after, she met her boyfriend, and they had a daughter together the following year. For over a decade, Leelynn and her family remained happy and harmonious, until her world suddenly turned upside down.
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When Randy was a young boy in Council Bluffs, he grew up in a home without any positive role models. His mother walked out on their family when he was nine years old, and his father was rarely home. As the oldest of four children, he took it upon himself to be the adult because he knew his siblings relied on him. Eventually, Randy grew weary of carrying this responsibility and rushed off to join the Navy at the age of 18, eager to start a new and exciting life.
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