Page 16 - 2017 Annual Report Final

BRANDON’S STORY RochesteR, nY

At the age of 17, Brandon was struggling with bouts of anger, poor decision-making, and continuous fighting with kids at
school and in his community. “I felt lost. I didn’t know who I was anymore. Being defiant and getting in constant fights was
the only way I knew how to express how I was feeling on the inside,” said Brandon.

Brandon entered Berkshire’s Rochester Group Home in December 2016 and quickly learned that staff were there to help
him. “The structure and consistency at the group home really helped me. I didn’t have that before,” said Brandon. I now had
someone to talk to and I had people pushing me to be and do better. The staff at the group home believed in me and could see
that I was a good kid.

Staff at the group home could see my potential even before I could and helped me create goals.

Because of their support, I graduated high school this past June and will begin college in the fall.”

When reflecting on Brandon’s progress at the group home, the group home Staff Supervisor, Roshad Fulton, commented;
“When Brandon first came to the group home he showed signs of wanting to hide himself from the world. He began to
establish relationships with his peers at the group home and learned to open up to staff. He rebuilt his relationship with his
mother and gained more connections within his family. He learned to forgive and allowed himself to be forgiven by others.”
Brandon not only achieved a diploma and created a plan for his future, but he is now more prepared for living independently.
He acquired the independent living and social skills he will need to live on his own, including; obtaining a job and developing
a work ethic, reading a utilities bill, understanding a rental lease, creating a budget and establishing financial goals. Brandon
also recently obtained his learners permit as he will soon enroll in a driver’s education course.

Brandon’s relationship with his family has also improved. He and his mom now talk on a daily basis and have rebuilt trust.
“Today, I would describe myself as respectful, confident, and self-aware,” said Brandon. “The staff at my group home changed
my life for the better. Because of their support, I’m now someone people respect and can depend on and I am better prepared
for my future.”

98 100% 6

Number of children Children & families Number of Berkshire

served in our statewide engaged in their program group homes across

group homes at our Rochester group the state