To get your week off to a great start, we want to share with you an update about one of the young women in our care at Mary’s Mount Group Home in Harwood (which was recently repainted by volunteers from Fort Meade and UPS in Burtonsville)!

Kimmie is a 16-year-old who came to Hearts & Homes in mid-August with anger management, problems with authority, behavioral issues at school, and dealing with substance abuse. When she entered our program at Mary’s Mount, she quickly adapted to the rules of the house and immediately began receiving art therapy, individual therapy, and psychiatric counseling to help with medication management.

She was enrolled in school shortly after arriving and has been on the Honor Roll since then. She recently got a job at a local restaurant as a server and is eager to learn more, develop her skills and continue growing professionally. She has been rebuilding her relationship with her family and has a very supportive mother who has been engaged with her progress. She recently received her first home pass and spent a wonderful weekend with her family. She has great relationships with the other residents, does her chores, and has demonstrated an interest in completing the program successfully and returning home.

Kimmie is truly developing into a leader. The other residents recognize her as a role model, she has a positive influence on morale at Mary’s Mount and she is a great student. Residential Counselor Tamika Chambers describes her as a “typical teenager dealing with typical adolescent issues. She is independent, caring and helpful. Being in a homelike environment, close to her family while she is dealing with the consequences of her actions is one of the best ways for her to get back on the right track and reach her highest potential.”