A weekend with my daughter and a world of difference.

Dear Jackie,

I just want to thank you for New Horizons. Melissa is now at a therapeutic school out west and spending the last thirty-six hours with her has been a revelation! She is much different. There’s calmness about her rather than an intensity. There’s acceptance rather than hostility.

After spending time on the island in Scraggly Lake with DonnaLee, Billy (Wilderness Staff) and Eilean (Clinical Therapist) I was asked if Melissa seemed different. I needed time to think; at that moment I only knew that prior to New Horizons, Melissa wouldn't have been able to have the conversations with me that we had been engaged in.

Now, after spending the weekend with Melissa, traveling across the country, I see profound differences. She accepted limitations, delayed gratification, had perspective on important issues, and was "centered" and calm. Her aura is different, thanks to the time with your incredible staff.

Jackie, Eilean is amazing. Within a very short time she was able to figure Melissa out and know what to do to help Melissa. She knew how to push Melissa to get some important work done. With my husband and me, she knew what we needed to how to get us to talk to a person we don't really know – yet: Melissa. Eilean’s phone calls were so important to us and the therapy for us was as vital as our appointments with our own therapists. She was very able to bridge the long distance.

The five staff members I met were so great. We were on an island with DonnaLee and Billy. They were receptive, direct and so skilled in working with Melissa. Each person taught her so much. Additionally, they were so much fun for her to be with. I also met Jake and Rob (Wilderness Staff) who picked me up in Lincoln. Our drive was informational and fun. They shared stories with me and made me feel so comfortable. Melissa told me story after story about each one of them. Melissa said her talks with Rob were amazing and she learned so much from him.

On the way to Bangor, Bruce (Field Director) and his wife met us in order to say goodbye to Melissa. They hugged and kissed her and then both of them thanked me for sharing her with them. Audrey (Admissions Director) and Lorraine (Office Manager) were always available to help me. Audrey and I had frequent emails that were both calming and reassuring. Both women made being away from Melissa as easy as possible. They made sure I got emails and photos regularly.

Melissa is an incredible young lady who is bound for wonderful things. Thanks to you and the truly gifted people you discovered to staff New Horizon, Melissa’s new horizons are endless. You have created a welcoming and calming environment in Maine so that girls can put their lives back together.

Melissa’s Mom

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