Callie Hodges came to live at the Kentucky United Methodist Home in August 2003. "When I first came here I hated it. I was anxious and worried about my Mom. I had always been her caretaker," said Callie.
Callie's mother has been alcohol-free for several years and her father is recovering from heroin addiction. However, her parents separated when she was about 11 years old. Callie's mother and older brothers relied on her for general household care and concern.
About age 7, she witnessed her parents trying to hurt each other. "I guess my Mom was an easy target for Dad. It made me angry inside that my mom let it happen," said Callie. "I guess I became a violent person, too."
At age 15, Callie ran away for two months before returning home where her anger was still unresolved. Callie didn't understand her feelings and acted out violently toward her mother by using her fists. "I would just pick up whatever was handy, like a mason jar, and throw it at her."

After coming to the Methodist Home, Callie's therapist recognized immediately that her instability at home led her to be very angry and anxious. "She spent a great deal of time worrying about other people, especially her Mom," said Erin, her therapist. "She was suddenly here in a very structured and calm environment. It was a very difficult adjustment at first."
Callie explained that during her first month at the Methodist Home she fought the system and kept receiving consequences for her behavior. "I tried to smoke cigarettes that I'd hidden on my first night here, but I got caught," she said.
Callie often remarked that she thought she was going crazy. Her therapist said, "I don't know what crazy is....but I imagine that the sudden change of environment would create a similar feeling." At first, Callie felt dependent on medication to control her emotions. Later she learned to control her emotions without medications or even the help of other people. This gave Callie a sense of control that she had never experienced--which eliminated her feelings of going crazy.
Then Callie made a choice to follow the rules and adjust her behavior. "I decided to learn about myself and focus on myself. I learned a lot here about domestic violence and what triggered my anger. I know the lookout signs for a potential batterer. I'm still working on coping skills. I'm learning to focus on myself and no one else," she said.

Before coming to the Methodist Home, Callie had earned only two credits her freshman year of school. Her academic improvement here demonstrated her new focus on caring about herself. Her grades dramatically improved in the spring earning her a 3.7 GPA. She was proud to show her transcript which showed that she had earned the status of a High School Junior with 14.5 credits. "When I go back to school next year, I'll be a grade higher," she said proudly.
Callie has a natural ability to care for others. Once she began taking good care of herself, she started using her caring ability in a positive, healthy manner. "Callie often helped the new residents with their adjustment, and became a very uplifting influence on her peers," said her therapist.
Callie plans to use her natural caring ability to become a nurse after she graduates. "I want to go to Berea College and get a Bachelor's Degree in the medical field. Then I'd like to go to Sullivan to get my RN," said Callie.
On her last day here, she cried and gave everyone a hug. "I learned more about myself in a few months here than I've learned my whole life. I just want to say THANK YOU to all the staff who helped me."