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Catholic Charities’ Multisystemic Therapy (MST) program is an intensive, family focused intervention, serving families with delinquent youth who are at risk of being placed outside their home. With the help of MST therapists who are available 24 hours per day, seven days per week, families are empowered to solve the youth’s own behavior – they are the most influential part of the youth’s life.
These are just a few of the many success stories from parents who credit MST for helping put their children back on the right track:
'Catholic Charities was my Guardian Angel'
When Shatwan Bolden was referred to Catholic Charities, she knew she needed help. She found the help she needed in the MST program, and appreciates everything that Catholic Charities has done for her and her family.
A mother of four, Shatwan Bolden became a parent at a young age. She tried in every way to be a good parent to her children and to set a positive example for them - she avoided drugs and alcohol, and participated in parenting programs.
Shatwan became ill and was hospitalized. Even before, her children began acting up. Her oldest son, 17-year-old Marquell, was missing school and being disrespectful and her 10-year-old son, Jeremiah, started having discipline problems. Even with her illness, she was going to work and trying to deal with her sons’ behavior problems - at home and school - all on her own.
Eventually, Shatwan turned to Catholic Charities MST for help. When the therapist arrived at their home, she helped Shatwan find better ways to work with her children so they would listen to her and follow her rules.
“When Amanda came to our house, she was like my new best friend,” said Shatwan. “She was always there to help me.”
With the help of MST, Shatwan has noticed a change in her sons’ behavior. Now when her children are acting up, she calms down, thinks about how to handle the situation and responds in a calm and assertive manner. Her younger son also meets with a counselor at school through Catholic Charities’ Closing the Gap program, to check in each morning and check out each afternoon and talk about what is happening in his life. Her older son is on schedule to graduate now.
“The MST Program was like a guardian angel to me,” said Shatwan. “I have really learned to appreciate the program - it was a very good learning experience. It may not be something that you really want to do at the time, but they will help you get stronger and better as a parent.”
A Safe, Stable Place to Call Home
Last year, Marino Faliero’s 11-year-old granddaughter appeared on his doorstep with a garbage bag full of clothes. Her mother, Tina, no longer had any interest in caring for Samantha. Several of Tina’s boyfriends struggled with substance abuse and Samantha was regularly exposed to negative behaviors.
Marino had raised several children of his own, and knew that he could be a positive influence in Samantha’s life and a good caretaker. Catholic Charities’ Multisystemic Therapy (MST) program stepped in to help him develop guidelines and a rewards program that would help eliminate Samantha’s verbally aggressive attitude. She attended counseling sessions twice a week for six months to help her deal with the situations she faced while living with her mother.
Catholic Charities wanted Samantha to have a safe, stable place she could call home – and they found that home with her grandfather.
“Samantha’s behavior has gotten much better and she completes her homework on time, thanks to the rewards program instituted by Catholic Charities,” said Marino.
'I didn't know what to do ...'
When Craig Abelson’s son came to live with him after his mother could no longer handle him, Craig knew there would be problems – but Catholic Charities was there to help.
Craig’s son moved from Erie, Pa. to live with him and his wife in North Tonawanda. Craig thought his son had settled into his new middle school fine, but within a few weeks he began to receive daily calls from the principal due to consistent tardiness. Things were getting worse at school - his son was skipping detention, not doing his homework and on separate occasions, he brought a lighter and a knife to school.
Craig began reaching out to different people to find some help. His son would not listen to anyone. He was even caught trying to buy an iPod with a stolen credit card, but there were no legal consequences which only served to escalate his son’s negative behavior. Craig sought the help of law enforcement and his son was eventually put in Juvenile Court, but even that was too lenient.
Finally, Craig heard about the MST program at Catholic Charities in Lockport and contacted the office.
Kelly was the MST therapist who worked with Craig and his family. She taught him to give his son consequences and to stop and think before yelling at him. As a result, his son has learned to listen and communicate better with his father which has made their relationship stronger. They now have a father-son night, his son is no longer late to school, he rarely gets into trouble there and he does his homework every day.
“I think all potential parents should take a mini-course of this program before they become parents - it teaches you how to raise your kids better,” said Craig.
With the help of Catholic Charities’ MST, the Abelson’s now have the tools and resources to deal with their son’s behavioral problems and to lead happier, more peaceful lives.
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