Leo Ni Leo Brings Hope to Addicted Youth
When Jason first came to Leo Ni Leo, his response to significant life events was anxiety. Many of his experiences had been traumatic. Jason came from a home full of severe domestic violence, substance abuse and broken family relationships. He came to LifeWorks NW with low self-esteem; he was irritable, unable to concentrate, and exhibited serious behavioral problems.
At first, Jason was quiet and withdrawn. Within a short amount of time, however, he began to participate in the recreational activities, particularly the sports and games at the local community center.
Jason began to connect with other boys in the program as well as the counselors through these activities. As he became more comfortable in that setting, he began to make tremendous progress. He learned new coping skills to help him deal with his anxiety and depression. Individual and group therapy helped Jason to begin to take responsibility for his own actions and to look for ways to improve his situation both at school and with his family.
Jason is quite the graduate, having successfully completed both the Leo Ni Leo program at LifeWorks NW and his Eighth grade year. He’s been keeping busy this summer playing football on his neighborhood team.
LifeWorks NW partners with Janus Youth Programs, Multnomah County and the State Mental Health and Addictions Office on the Leo Ni Leo program.