November 11th, 2010

I made mistakes. I neglected myself and didn’t look at my future. I didn’t want anybody to tell me what to do. I didn’t want to follow the rules.

I heard about Mount Saint John’s Transitional Living program and talked to my Parole Officer while I was at Connecticut Juvenile Detention Center. I came here (to Mount Saint John) on June 7^th.

The staff here listens to me, they cheer me on. They give me help. They don’t put me down. Since I got here, I look at things better. I think more and listen all the time. I know that by advocating for myself and following the rules I’ll get far.

The staff will look out for you. If you show respect you will get respect.

When I go home I want to go to school, get a job and get my life together.

Staff Praise

Markeem achieved a three year growth in his reading comprehension level in just one year. Markeem works very hard in all his classes and is an excellent advocate for himself. -   Kathy White, Principal

He is such a well spoken young man and has come a long way since his placement in June. Markeem’s housemates look to him as a leader and a voice of reason. -  Rhonda Jones-LaBonte, House Manager

Post Script

Markeem successfully completed his Transitional Living Program experience and returned to his home town of Stamford on November 4^th.

Markeem will be 18 in February.

More Info