Meet David.
David was physically and emotionally abused and neglected by his mother for as long as he can remember.
David never knew his father.
David was sexually abused by three cousins, starting at age five.
David witnessed an uncle being beaten to death in an alley when he was only six.
David began selling drugs to earn money at age nine.
David did not realize that abusive relationships were not "normal" and began abusing others when he was 10.

David was 13 and four grade levels behind when he came to UMFS.

Despite this terrible abuse and trauma, David has made tremendous progress at UMFS. He completed our intensive treatment program and transitioned into a treatment foster care home and our Charterhouse School Day Program. He is making leaps and bounds in all academic subjects and is interested in learning new things. He has learned to focus his energy in positive directions.

David has learned that the cycle of abuse can stop with him; he does not have to repeat the past.
He has learned to forgive and to be forgiven.
David is laughing and smiling again.
What happened to David will never be erased from his mind, but he is learning to deal with his suffering and is looking forward to his future.
*Name changed for privacy and protection of the child