“Take hold of your life. There are no short cuts.
Every person in their lifetime gets an opportunity, and you have to be alert to grab it…” These wise words are from a William George Agency (WGA) alum named Sean,* who nearing ninety would like WGA residents to benefit from what he’s learned.
“I spent two years [at WGA] and often think I could have taken more advantage, but I had a laid back attitude and took everything for granted. But, I enjoyed every minute and learned a lot of good habits, and soon found out you have to work and earn your way. No short cuts.”
WGA’s living-learning environment has been providing young people access to opportunities since its founding in 1895.
“Our number one aim has always been about improving the immediate circumstances and long-term success of youth in need, with the added value of being able to help families and the broader community in the process,” says Helen Hulings, Executive Director of The William George Agency for Children’s Services.
As society evolved, so, too, did WGA over time. It changed its name, added amenities on its campus through donor contributions, expanded use of evidence-based treatments, and added services to provide opportunities for historically underserved youth.
“Through it all, our youth services work was and remains guided by our organization’s founding principles of self-development, encouragement of individual effort, self-determination, and contribution to society,” says Hulings.
Youth are referred to WGA’s out-of-home services for a variety of reasons, including to deter risky behavior or to remove youth from harmful environments, away from destructive influences. Once on campus, they learn that their past does not define their future. They also learn that their perspective, choices, and quality of relationships directly influence their wellbeing and life outcomes.
“Every young person that participates in one of our specialized programs has experienced trauma in some capacity,” says Hulings. “Our job is to provide skilled support, a safe, structured environment and ample opportunities for them to tap into their potential. The goal is for them to reconnect in healthy ways with themselves, their family and community. It is profound and heartwarming to see a child blossom in treatment and start to find their way and repair relationships.”
For some residents, showing self-restraint and emotional maturity in the face of old triggers is a step towards becoming their best self.
For other residents, realizing their potential starts by achieving sobriety for the first time.
“Some people think [using drugs] is a way out,” says Sean. To him it’s a waste of one’s life. “Life is hard enough, don’t make it harder. There is always a better way…”
Still others begin to tap their potential through gaining employable skills at one of WGA’s vocational sites.
“I, for one, know an education is great but we all can’t be doctors and lawyers… I know people who are electricians, carpenters, painters, and truck drivers that make a good salary and made a good life. The answer is that no matter what you’re good at, be the best… don’t give up,” says Sean.
In all cases, the journey starts with a willingness to learn. And that’s a characteristic Sean can appreciate.
“Do the best you can at whatever it is and quickly learn,” is his advice to anyone who will listen. “You have one mouth, two ears. Use the ears first, and know when using the mouth, you can never learn anything if you’re always talking.”
*name changed for privacy.
A Holiday Cottage Appeal is held annually at WGA between Thanksgiving and year-end to help make the campus festive and provide a special gift and meal for youth who are unable to be at home during the holiday season. Gifts of any amount are gratefully accepted.