Araya's journey was a labyrinth of tumultuous emotions before she entered the embracing arms of Nexus-Gerard Family Healing. At the pivotal age of 15, she felt adrift in a sea of despair, her life losing its meaning. Having to move from foster home to foster home as well as several hospitalizations due to self-harm and suicide attempts, added to her ordeal. Her life took a crucial turn when she barely survived a suicide attempt. Recognizing the urgency, her social worker sought a haven for Araya - a place to shield her from her mental demons and help her navigate through her childhood trauma. That sanctuary was Nexus-Gerard. The tranquil setting of the center being nestled in the woods, along with a dedicated trauma-informed mental health team, was exactly what Araya needed at that point in her life.
Araya’s initial plan was simply to do what was necessary to leave. "Fake it 'til you make it" was her motto. However, committed staff members like Allison Wangen and Deveny Brolsma wanted lasting healing for Araya. Their unwavering support and firm nudges to do the hard things gradually ignited a spark in Araya. She started aspiring for more for herself.
Learning New Life Skills
Araya bravely embarked on the arduous journey of recovery. She embraced the life skills taught by the Youth Care Professionals as she began to grasp the transformative power and security of a consistent routine as well as the crucial role relationships can play in well-being. She adopted healthier coping mechanisms, like journaling, to overcome the urge to self-harm during particularly overwhelming times. On extraordinarily challenging days, Araya found solace in her remarkable artistic talent. She was entered in an art contest by her art teacher and had her work featured in a Celebrating Art publication. This accomplishment boosted Araya’s growing self confidence even further.
Nexus-Gerard's unique approach of wanting kids to have the chance to just be kids set it apart from other treatment centers for Araya. She relished the numerous enjoyable experiences at Nexus-Gerard, such as attending prom and visiting the Science Museum in St. Paul—memorable firsts that she would cherish forever. These activities helped her experience joy and learn how to have fun again.
Araya's journey wasn't a walk in the park, but she realized the most meaningful paths seldom are. Guided by her dedicated therapist, Lindzee Chicas, Araya navigated through the process of creating her own Trauma Narrative. This crucial step finally allowed her to make sense of her past experiences. Araya started to see a future that was not overshadowed by her past. From that point on, she was able to stride confidently forward, no longer held hostage by the memories.
Emerging from the shadows of her past, once Araya left Nexus-Gerard she found security in a nurturing foster home that supported her growth into young adulthood. She seized her potential, graduating from high school ahead of schedule and embracing independence.
Today, Araya is a resilient 22-year-old, her future gleaming with promise. Her life is enriched by the companionship of her pet dog and cat, and the love of her boyfriend. She aspires to be a mother some day, and continues to implement the life skills she gained at Nexus-Gerard Family Healing.