Jason’s Story

Jason’s home life had always been turbulent. Jason’s parents got divorced when he was young, and he spent much time traveling between his parents’ two houses. His mother struggled to maintain a steady job and had a new boyfriend whenever he came over. Jason’s father worked late hours and drank alcohol on a daily basis.

As Jason got older, he tended to spend more time at his father’s house. When he was there, he had more time to himself and did not have to care for his mother. Unfortunately, staying with his father meant that sometimes he was beat up when his father drank too much.

From late middle school to early high school Jason learned how to exist at his father’s house. Most of the time he tried to avoid him. One evening, Jason’s father came home to see Jason’s report card on the table. Jason had stopped trying in school, and he had many failing grades. Jason’s dad had been drinking a lot that evening and proceeded to hit Jason repeatedly. Jason escaped and spent that night at his friend’s house.

The next morning at school, Jason’s bruises were apparent. A school administrator called him into her office to ask Jason about the source of his bruises. Jason was scared, but hurt. He admitted to his father’s physical abuse.

The administrator called the Division of Family and Children Services. By the day’s end, Jason was in a local case worker’s car headed to a safe place to sleep.

Jason arrived at Goshen Valley that evening. He discovered that he already knew a few other guys who lived there. Although he was scared and confused, he felt safe. Jason spent the next two moths getting to know his house parents and the other young men in his house.

Jason’s father was remorseful. Through the court system, Jason’s father agreed to counseling, parenting classes and a rehabilitation program. Jason and his father began to have weekend visits at Goshen Valley where their relationship began to be repaired. After months of work, Jason and his dad were reunited. Jason continues to go to school and live with his father. Their relationship has improved, and Jason will graduate high school next year.