Jason

Art is Jason’s therapy. Twenty-two year old Jason has spent most of his life in foster homes and residential facilities. At the young age of five, Jason began acting out. He was in trouble at school, stealing and destroying property and being disrespectful.

Jason was diagnosed as bipolar and began therapy. By the age of ten, Jason’s behavior was so out of control that his family could no longer deal with his mental illness while raising their other children. They gave custody of their son over to the State.

Unable to manage his illness through medication and counseling, Jason’s aggressive behavior caused him to bounce through 15 foster homes and 14 residential facilities. “I didn’t feel like I belonged anywhere and as a result I pushed people away and rebelled,” said Jason. Thankfully, he was able to get his high school diploma.

Jason's illness enabled him to extend his stay in adult foster care where he was able to attend courses at Wayne County Community College. He earned his Associates Degree in Liberal Arts before his living environment became unstable once again.

From shelter to park bench, Jason eventually made his way to CHM. He currently resides at the Crisis Center and is working part-time. He is looking for another job and plans to go back to school. Jason is working to rebuild his relationship with his family.

“I just want to get things together,” said Jason. “I feel like this is my second chance to do it right.” He is hesitant about taking medication to balance his disorder because it makes him sleep a lot. “So art has become my therapy through all this,” explains Jason. Jason is an extremely talented artist. He’s currently designing a mural in our Crisis Center that will illustrate the services Covenant House offers to help youth.

Donate now to help Jason and other kids in our Crisis Center.