Gabe* is a 10 year old boy who loves sports and video games. His favorite subject in school is math, and he proudly recites the multiplication table. Since coming to HomeSafe, he joined a little league football team and was thrilled to score his first touchdown.
Unfortunately, Gabe also had a very rough start to his life. In 2019, the Department of Children and Families launched an investigation after Gabe attempted to protect his mother from her violent boyfriend during a domestic violence altercation. They determined that Gabe was physically abused by this man, and so he was removed from his mother’s care. Gabe was placed with his grandmother and then removed from her home due to her challenges with substance abuse. Gabe was placed in multiple foster homes – each not equipped to handle his aggressive and defiant behaviors that were the result of his physical and emotional trauma.
Gabe arrived at HomeSafe in January 2021, struggling with emotional control, verbal abuse of others, and engaging in fights. He lashed out when staff members or his therapist attempted to help him manage his emotions. With support from the extraordinarily patient trained professionals on the HomeSafe team, Gabe was finally able to trust, learn to cope, and manage his emotions. When faced with instigating behaviors from peers, Gabe has been heard saying “it’s not worth it,” as he walks away from conflicts and negative behaviors.
Today, Gabe continues to work though his trauma, manage impulsive behaviors, and implement his coping skills. He strives to be a positive peer within the HomeSafe program. Finally in an environment where he feels safe and supported, Gabe is able to process his feelings. He is working toward the goal that keeps him motivated: being reunited with his two older sisters.
*Name changed to protect the client
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