Ozanam Success Stories

Mohammed- Mohammed grew up in Somalia during the Civil War. He was present through it all, through the murdering, through the gunfire, through the fire raids. At one time he was put up against a wall and he thought he would be killed. He escaped Somalia by walking into Kenya. He arrived in Kansas City to live with family here (the rest of his family in Somalia was unable to leave) and had been in hospitals and treatment centers almost since his arrival. Having dealt with gangs and violence, he came to Ozanam in order to work on issues of anger and inability to trust anyone. When Mohammed arrived at Ozanam, he had never shared with anyone what had happened during his childhood in Somalia or the trials he had been through. His therapist used  creative therapy techniques in order to build trust, enable him to tell his story and to help him get through the issues that held him back.  The benefits of many different programs at Ozanam worked together in order to give Mohammed what he needed. He met on a weekly basis with the cultural diversity group in order to share his story and learn from staff and his peers. He became involved in the Spiritual Life Program and learned about life as a Muslim in the Somali faith community and has been going to the mosque with the Ozanam chaplain.  Mohammed still has a way to go but has  moved back with his aunt, will continue in school, and will work with the Family Focus and After Care Programs to continue making progress toward  becoming a successful citizen in his community.

John - John had been in the system for much of his life.  He came to the Ozanam school through a residential program at another Cornerstones of Care agency in which he had proven to be very successful. His family came together during his time at Ozanam, and he was able to return to live with them successfully throughout the school year. During his time in the Day Treatment Program, John's attitude and behavior continued to improve. His social behavior improved so much that he was voted the "most trustworthy" and "the most popular" in his class. He was elected as Senior Class President, learned the benefits of being a good role model, and took the part very seriously. John also participated in the Spiritual Life Program while at Ozanam and served in the Men of Faith Program where he mentored other residents. John was released from Ozanam and will attend public school in the fall.