Home Sweet Home: Selina's Story
Selina was raised by a single mother, in a distressed and economically disadvantaged neighborhood in Saint Paul. Her mother faced many of the challenges common to refugees, such as language barriers, low levels of formal education, and difficulty adapting to a new community. Despite these challenges, Selina’s mother always tried to provide a good life for her children.
As Selina entered middle school, she made friends with people she now recognizes were the “wrong crowd.” Much to her mother’s disappointment, she soon fell into a pattern of running away from home and skipping school.
Her behaviors eventually led her to juvenile court, where the judge recommended she join HAP’s Runaway Intervention Program. Selina began attending HAP’s weekly support group, one-on-one counseling, and group activities. She eventually shared how painful it was for her to be at home, due to the fact that her mother was gravely ill. With the support of the Program Coordinator and other participants, Selina was able to re-establish her priorities and began to recognize the importance of being home with her mother.
Selina now spends most of her time either at home or at school. Her mother’s health has improved, but she continues to depend on Selina’s support and care. Selina’s whole family has also benefited from her positive choices. She loves kids, and now frequently babysits her young nieces. Selina enjoys working with kids so much that she has even said she would love to someday become a pediatrician.
According to Selina, she was ready to change, and HAP provided her with the support she needed to make those changes.HAP is proud to tell her story.