It may seem counterintuitive to give a youth with anger issues access to training in boxing and mixed martial arts (MMA), but since Timothy’s* arrival at Nexus-Onarga Family Healing, these sports have provided him with the tools to fight for his potential.
Timothy has a troubled past. His family often faced housing insecurity and instability, and his father absent from his upbringing. On top of it all, Timothy was a victim of physical and sexual abuse. As a result of not knowing how to cope with all of these challenges and emotions, Timothy turned to violence to process his anger and hurt.
It wasn’t until he found himself in jail for property damage that he experienced what he called a “rude awakening.” Surprisingly, it was at this low point when he had an epiphany and declared to himself: “I’ve got a lot to live for.”
Upon his return to Nexus-Onarga, he started mapping out his goals, understanding that meeting each small goal could mean something greater: “My life can be bigger than I think it is.” With this new perspective, he realized that if he worked in therapy to address his behaviors and control his anger, he could one day resume MMA training. Timothy’s desire to train was not just about the physical activity. He was ready for the self-discipline that is deeply rooted in the philosophy of martial arts, and that discipline is what he believes will help him continue to meet his goals.
With a high school diploma now in hand, Timothy’s next destination is college. Before graduating, though, he sought out support from his care coordinator Anthony Patterson to discuss his post-high school options and explore what those next steps would look like. First on the to-do list was securing a scholarship through the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services that includes tuition and academic fee waivers, as well as a monthly grant for other expenses. Timothy and Anthony worked closely with his social services case worker, who assisted him in reaching this milestone. Considering the progress that Timothy has made since setting his initial goals, this was not just a mere mile marker, it was a significant landmark!
Even as Timothy’s college class schedule is set for the fall semester, Anthony is focused on building Timothy’s self-confidence and his trust in others. “Both Timothy’s persistence about wanting more for himself and his wanting my help were so very positive.” He is helping Timothy identify his strengths and a support network that will help him succeed, a connection to his persistence that Anthony says will “take Timothy far in his ability to do more for himself and his future.”
For Timothy, the road ahead includes taking general education and kinesiology courses at the area community college, while also starting a job at a local fast-food restaurant. He is working to pay for training in the sport that brings him balance and discipline, competing for a fighting chance to thrive in his positive choices.
*Name and details changed to protect privacy.