Michael's Story

Michael suffered from poverty and abuse for the first nine years of his life. His father was physically violent, and as a young child, he was kicked, punched and had his head held under water as punishment for disobedience. When Michael's mother finally found the strength to leave, she was overwhelmed by the responsibility of caring for her child, who acted out and channeled his anger into rebellion. She turned him over to foster care services, hoping that she would someday be able to reunite with him. Michael was placed in a home with four older siblings who immediately embraced him despite his antisocial behavior. Surrounded by the constant love and support of a stable family, he eventually abandoned his suspicions and found his place among his new foster siblings and parents. His grades improved and he overcame a learning disability to attend college, where he studies to be a schoolteacher. With the support of his foster family Michael contacted his biological mother and is developing a relationship with her, but he credits his foster family as the source of his strength and commitment to make something out of a life that was once headed for disaster.

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