Client Highlight Hailey
What do you want to share about yourself or your life before coming to DCH?
My name is Hailey and I’ve been at Denver Children’s Home for 2 years next month. Before coming to DCH, I struggled with addiction to drugs and alcohol, I wasn’t going to school, I was in and out of juvenile detention, and I wasn’t hanging out with good people. I didn’t have any good relationships either. I slept a lot and didn’t really leave my house. The people I did spend time with encouraged bad behaviors.
Today I am working on finishing my high school credits and will graduate next year. I also got to start taking classes at a technical school for cosmetology! I’m excited about attending the trade school and it’s a big accomplishment. I’m really motivated now about the future and people I care about.
What is a day in your life like at DCH?
In the morning I start at the tech school and then come back to DCH to work on my high school credits at The Bansbach Academy. When I’m done I get to go to Inspire Home – one of DCH’s family homes – where I live.
At the house I learn independent living skills like how to cook. My favorite is lasagna (with Ricotta cheese of course)! I learn about and help with taking care of the house and myself. We all work to take care of ourselves mentally and physically – sometimes that just looks like healthy bedtimes and sleep schedules, other times it looks karaoke and face masks.
What are your favorite days or activities at DCH?
Kickball days! The whole building gets to participate and it’s a lot of fun. I also love the breaks and the theme days we have too.
Do you have a favorite hobby or hobbies?
I really like to crochet, and love to make stuffed animals. My favorite so far is a teddy bear I made holding a heart.
Do you have a favorite person or people at DCH?
My really good friends are Nate and Q. Nate lives at the other house, Discovery Home. And Q moved home to his family. I really care about them.
Lyndsey, Lauren, and Heather are my favorite staff at DCH. I know I can count on them to help me when I’m struggling. They are my family that I have built here and they are my biggest motivation to become successful. I wouldn't be where I am today without them.
How has your experience at DCH affected you?
DCH has help change my perspective about relationships and my overall view of life and my future. My built family has helped me be good to myself and believe in myself.
What do you want to share about yourself or your life today?
My whole mentality and how I handle things is a lot different. I didn’t care about anything before.
What are you looking forward to or excited about for the future?
I’m really looking forward to graduation next year. It’s so special the way they go about it here.
I’m also excited about getting a job outside DCH. I’ve been looking on Indeed and LinkedIn. I’m also planning ahead to make sure I can take care of my two cats, Coconut and Marley.
What’s one thing you wish everyone could know about DCH?
One of the big ones is everyone is here to support you. They work hard to support your growth going at your pace and are not very pushy. You have to give it a chance. It’s difficult to change, but you can take the steps to get there and DCH can help.
If you could be any animal what would it be and why?
I would be an elephant, I think they’re so pretty! I also think elephants are 100% sacred – they carry essences from the jungle and build life around them. I see them as how I feel now: attentive to life and their families.
Anything else you’d like to share?
I wanted to share my story and experience because I want kids to know that no matter where you come from, you can be successful.