Seventeen year old Hannah...

Was referred to Ascent because she was in danger of harming herself.  Hannah's only support system was Kathryn, her mom.  Hannah wanted a solid plan for her family and more involvement in the community.  Two staff members from Hannah's school attended the first Child and Family Team Meeting (CFT) and were so enthusiastic about Ascent that they volunteered to bring pizza to the next CFT. Kathryn declared, "I have been needing this since my daughter was two!  I didn't need another therapist. I needed someone to help coordinate and advocate for us."  At later CFT's, the team actively worked to find community resources for Hannah and her mother.  Hannah joined a program at the zoo and received extra support at school.  Kathryn also began making connections throughout the community, including finding a respite provider.  At each successive CFT, Kathryn's face reflected a growing confidence in her ability to provide for her family.  After just over a year of working together, Hannah successfully transitioned out of Ascent with a well-established support system in place and connections at the local zoo, school, church, and other community organizations.