Our daughter, Caitelyn, is in need of a structured environment away from home where she can receive regular counseling, attend school, and be kept safe as she learns to grow into the young woman God made her to be. Even now the window is closing for her to receive this help before she turns 18, and it frightens us to think of where she will end up without it.

Some years ago, we started noticing our little girl getting quieter. It was subtle at first, and we attributed it to her maturing into a young woman. Life went on. Not perfectly, but we always kept communication open with her. Then Chris had an accident at work. Ultimately, it was not serious, but in the moment, it looked life-threatening, and it shook her up more than we realized. A few years later, Christine suddenly needed open heart surgery. Through Christine's recovery from the bypass, and further subsequent medical problems, home life increasingly chaotic. Through all of this Caitelyn sank lower all the time into a deep depression, unable or unsure how to handle all of these emotions.

It's hard to pinpoint when it really happened, but our sweet girl has become someone we barely know. Someone dark, and brooding, and lost in her own darkness. She had lost hope and a vision for her future. Early this year, we find out she had been cutting herself. Then, that she has threatened more than that... She is currently seeing a counselor, and has made some small improvements, but she truly needs more than what we can give her here.

Through a dear family friend, we have found a program that would be a great fit for her. Her mental health being the primary concern, it will help her learn to communicate how she is feeling, and coping skills to deal with those feelings. It will help her finish school and hopefully decide what her next step is. She will learn a healthy self-image and will help her to love herself just as much as we all do. And she will be surrounded by caring and praying staff that will help her faith to grow and have a firmer foundation.

She has already been accepted to the school, and we went and visited it over the holiday weekend. We got to talk with some of the girls, and were very encouraged by their answers, and by everything we saw.

She has reached the point where she has admitted she wants help, and has agreed that, although this would be hard, it would be a good fit for her. The fact that she is eager to go is an answer to prayer already, but we have other hurdles to clear. The tuition for the 12-month program is right around $55k, plus travel expenses for visitations and family counseling, and some other minor expenses like toiletries and such.

If we could afford this on our own, we wouldn't hesitate. We want to give her the best chance to come out on the other side of this as the emotionally healthy, vibrant young woman we know she is meant to be. But we need help. We trust that God is going to make a way for this, so we are doing our part, and leaving the results to Him. We pray that God will bless you for whatever you can give. No amount is too small, and whether you can or can't give right now, please share this page. Thank you for your time, and generosity. To God be the glory!

The Owens family