Upon arrival at Willoughby, NR, 18, worked the program, became gainfully employed at Risky’s BBQ, saved his money and reached his goal, to be self-sufficient. Prior to his arrival at Willoughby, NR was at the Mart Residential Treatment Center. He says “I’ve come a long way since those days because all I wanted to do was fight every day, be aggressive and stubborn all the time.”
NR stated that he wanted to thank staff at CRTC/MRTC, Mr. Kelvin Powers, JCO VI, Ms. Demetrius Jackson, JCO V and Ms. Sylvia Waters, Caseworker, for “encouraging me and being there for me when I needed them – they supported me and always let me know when I was doing good – there was also Ms. Felicia Reynolds, Assistant Superintendent, who was hard on me, pushed me to be a better person and always knew when I needed to talk or needed help and that’s what I needed.”
NR also said, “I hope they all read this because I just want to say thank you for everything you did for me and I appreciate you all.” When asked what changes he feels that he made, youth stated that “I had to learn how to control my anger and ignore negative people and not feed in.” Rodriguez talked about his experience at Willoughby, saying “I’m proud that I was able to learn how to live on my own, find a job and save money, because I never thought I’d be able to do it.” The youth also wanted to also say a big thank you, to Mr. Christopher Golden, JCO V, who he described as “always supportive” and Mr. Charles Mack, JCO-VI, who he said, “helped me a lot, he was hard on me, but I know he just wanted the best for me.”
When asked what his future holds, youth stated that he wanted to keep working towards getting his GED and one day have a career in video gaming.
Willoughby Halfway House Superintendent, Diane Eunice, said, “He was so excited when he signed his lease and got his keys, not to mention buying himself a bicycle to get to and from work! We’re particularly proud of this youth’s accomplishment, because this is our first youth who has moved out on his own, since the facility converted to boys. This young man is a good example of what can happen when you stay focused, determined and surrounded, by a good support system. We want our youth to know that their lives are not defined by their diagnoses, limitations or barriers and they can thrive like anybody else – but they are going to have to put in the work. NR had a lot of cheerleaders here and I want to thank all of the Willoughby staff, for working so hard with this youth and helping him realize his dream, it truly does take a village!”
PHOTO: Youth NR opens the door to his newly leased apartment.