At Hera, we strongly believe in what we do every day. But the true measure of our success is how effective the program is for the girls we serve, and how well they're doing now. We checked back with some of the girls who have graduated from Hera over the years and asked what they thought of Hera now that they are adult women living in our community. Here is what just a few of them had to say....

"Hera helped me realize who I am, that I am somebody and that I have the power to make my own decisions."

"Now I can express my feelings, I can express my fear and I have a choice."

"I am not a bad person like people said."

"I'd probably be dead right now if it weren't for Hera."

"I have the strength to succeed in school."

"I can get along with my peers, people do like me for me and I am able to help others."

Marcedes Story

Prior to joining Hera, Marcedes had experienced many hardships and difficulties as a result of drug addiction and living on the streets. At one time she was estranged from her parent and on a dangerous, downward spiral that would take her only to the darkest of places. During the first couple of months Marcedes spent at Hera, she used her considerable leadership skills and powerful personality in a less-than-constructive way. She regularly skipped school, faced suspensions and fought the attempts of staff to form a relationship with her.

With persistence and unwavering determination, Hera's full-time therapist encouraged Marcedes to take ownership and define her leadership in a positive way. Over time Marcedes began to work with the program, instead of against it. Just like the goddess Hera, Marcedes had come to a safe place where she could self-reflect and transform her power and strength to achieve growth. The therapist, in her role as clinical supervisor, also encouraged staff members to revise their interaction strategies with this young woman who was prone to angry outbursts and extreme rebellion. The consistent, positive relationship the therapist and other team members developed with Marcedes helped her understand that she was accepted, cared for and able to choose different responses to the challenges she faced.

Being the parent of a teenager is difficult at the best times. Sara, a single mother who worked full-time, knew this only too well. Marcedes, the daughter she loved, was a challenging child who had previously been drawn into drug addiction and a life on the streets. The initial focus for the In-Home Family Support worker was to help Marcedes - and Sara - better understand the consequences and impact of Marcedes' behaviour. In addition, emotional support and guidance was provided to Sara when Marcedes left home after a particularly intense dispute. Sara and Marcedes report they have learned additional coping strategies and have appreciated the consistent help offered by Hera's In-Home Family Support staff members, especially during their times of crisis.

Hera suggested that Marcedes look for part-time work as a way to build skills and use her spare time in a productive manner. Marcedes accepted this suggestion and she was assisted with creating a resume, cover letter and portfolio. Together, she and the Hera team searched for employment opportunities. When Marcedes was offered a job interview, she received further help to develop her presentation and communication skills by conducting a mock interview. Constructive feedback was provided to Marcedes about her strengths, as well as a couple of areas to develop. Following the completion of the community employer interview, Marcedes was offered a job. She was so very excited, as was her support team. Marcedes was reminded that she had earned this opportunity by virtue of hard work and she was encouraged to be diligent in building additional skills.

The staff at Hera often speak about how strong Marcedes' progress has been, as well as how confident, capable and intelligent a young woman she has proven to be. It is argued there is something of the goddess Hera in every girl who attends the program. In the view of her support team, Marcedes now displays even more of the goddess Hera's strong and positive attributes.