Meet Max from Journey Homes

Max is an eight year old third grader who lives with his mother and three year old brother. He has a love of dinosaurs, chess, and anything pertaining to science. At the time his family moved into Journey Homes in September, 2007, Max was exhibiting dangerous behavior, such as playing with matches and putting holes in the wall. To complicate matters, his mother often used inappropriate discipline techniques, which would exacerbate Max's behavior. In kindergarten, Max's disruption and oppositional behavior led to 39 school suspensions and was a barrier to his making friends. The following school year he was suspended a total of 28 times.

      In September 2007 Max and his family began working with the Journey Homes Educational Support Advocate (ESA). His mother began attending parenting classes in addition to receiving individual support. Max's mother has created a behavior program that she implements at home for Max and his brother, which includes chores and positive behavior expectations. Max gets academic support through Journey Homes Food4Thought program, a study and life skills group that meets weekly in addition to providing the kids with a hot meal. Max's love of dinosaurs and science has him consistently borrowing books from the newly-established library.

      Max's school is amazed at his progress, both academically and behaviorally. While Max and his mother certainly have struggles now and then, they have a multi-layered support system in place and have made great gains.