Discover the strength within.
Fall 2014
Amazing life turn around for a young girl Your support of Fostering Futures makes it possible
M
ikaela’s story began in January 2011, when
she was placed in protective custody due to alleged physical abuse by her biological father. Mikaela grew up with little parental oversight. She was neglected and abused and experienced sexual abuse by age 11, leading to a pregnancy at age 12.
When Mikaela was placed in foster care, she felt unanchored and that no one in the world loved or cared for her. She was enrolled in Fostering Futures, a program that helps kids and teens thrive in stable homes. Her therapist helped her overcome her anxiety and fears and taught her how to deal with her anger and feelings of sadness and guilt. The therapist worked with the foster family to help them understand what Mikaela was going through and the importance of their support, encouragement and consistency. Mikaela participated in Great Circle’s Changing Prisms program, an all-female program for empowerment and building self-esteem. She also participated in adventure therapy at the Meramec Wilderness Learning Ranch. Mikaela discovered that she could be supportive of others and help them overcome some of the hardships they have experienced.
She grew stronger as she tried new things, even activities that she viewed as scary. Mikaela now has a part-time job, is studying for the ACTs and is attending independent living classes. She has a 4.0 grade point average. She dreams to attend a prestigious music school such as Julliard to pursue a career in music production. Without Fostering Futures, Mikaela may have experienced multiple foster placements due to her complex needs. Instead, Mikaela found stability, began defining success for herself, and is ready to graduate from high school and move forward with her life. Fostering Futures is partly funded by St. Louis Mental Health Board and St. Louis County Children’s Services fund. Great Circle relies on additional investment from the community to ensure the success of kids and teens like Mikaela.
Help brighten kids’ holidays Visit www.greatcircle.org or call your local campus to help make holiday wishes come true. There are many ways to help—fill wish lists, volunteer to wrap gifts, host a party, donate gift cards and more. Columbia (573) 442-8331 St. James (573) 899-7142
Springfield (417) 865-1646 St. Louis (314) 919-4733
The mission of Great Circle is to reshape vulnerable lives through a community of partners, teachers, and leaders, giving children and families the confidence to create bright futures.