Children

CHILDREN

Please note: Some of the content of this page has been altered to protect the identity of our children.

A poem about what Y-US means to me
by Von Marie, Fall 2003

When I first got here I thought
Another program, they're all the same,
Little did I know my attitude would soon change
Yeah, at first it was strange to be in a place
Where people showed they care.
Looking for a place like this all my life and it was right there.
This program is the best because it's so different from the rest,
To go places you've never been to and to stay
At a Retreat House far away is the perfect thing for a kid my age.
To get away from the city lights and screams
Just to be able to sleep and have nice dreams.
Without Y-US. . .to tell you the truth I wouldn't be me.
They gave me a chance to express my needs
and show them the person who I want to be.
I want Y-US to be here as long as it can be.
Maybe I'll one day help kids as they've helped me.
So how about you? Do you agree
That Y-US should be here as long as can be;
And if a yes comes from you,
What part would you do?

A poem for all the past and present members of Y-US
by Kelly Regan, Y-US Program Director, Spring 2003

Each child through these doors with a story to tell
Of the hurt and pain and people who yell.

The girls and boys wearing smiles like masks.
Trying so hard, hoping no one will ask.

The scars, the anger, the behavioral clues.
Ignited lay smoldering like a dangerous fuse.

What has happened to them is horribly unfair.
These children still suffering, thinking no one cares.

Through these doors each child so courageous and strong.
Teaches us life lessons long after they are gone.

The things that they taught us have changed the way we think.
About each new face, each new story and how we are linked.

Each one is a memory, a picture on our wall.
They may not always realize, we still wonder about them all.

"When I come to Y-US I feel relieved, because when I come...I'm away from all the anger that is at home. At home I'm always mad. But [at Y-US] my feelings change. I've been in the program for five years and I think it has helped me a lot." -- a twelve year-old

"The program helps me in many ways because every time I come...I feel like this is my home...I used to hate myself and wanted to kill my father and this program helped me a lot." -- a thirteen year-old

"This program is very special to a lot of people. And that is because it helped and helps many kids...We do a lot of fun things at [Y-US]...[The staff] take us to a lot of places and we have a lot of fun and things to do." -- an eleven year-old

"Before I came to this program I felt down and unhappy because there are lots of things I got in my mind and sometimes I want to [hurt] myself but ever since I came to the program it changed my whole life. I met new friends and especially a best friend. They make me feel happy...so I can forget [my past problems] and have fun." -- a twelve year-old