Courtney’s Story
Courtney, at age 24, began the Elevate Work program at the suggestion of her grandmother. Courtney had lived isolated in her home since leaving school her sophomore year. As a result, Courtney had very limited “life experiences.” She describes this period as, “a dark and very lonely time.”
Due to the opportunities and guidance Elevate Work has provided, Courtney has begun a new chapter in her life. In the first class she attended, she did not interact with others, she sat by herself with her head down, rarely made eye contact with others and overall seemed sad. You could tell she was uncertain and quite insecure about herself. She would respond to questions, but did not initiate conversations with others. However, after the first few classes, a very different Courtney emerged. She began to look at others and show a desire to be a part of the class group. She began to open up and share her past with her mentor.
She has been able to talk about her feelings and emotions. She expresses her opinions and her hope for her future. As Courtney said, “the past is over and it is what it is.” She set concrete milestones to reach her primary goal to live independently. She is now able to stand up in front of the class without reservation and talk about her assignments with confidence. She is excited to explore the world, to learn life skills and be in a community of people. She smiles, talks more freely with others, and holds her head up as she says, “I have grown throughout this class and it’s made me so much better.”
The changes in Courtney are night and day. Courtney is excited about the positive changes in her life. She once again has a personal dignity that comes from the positive steps she’s taken and the community of support she has here at Elevate Branson. Dignity and community provide the foundation on which a life can and does change.
