Stories of Hope

Let’s talk about Gabe, (not his real name). He was the sort of boy that most teachers frankly just did not want in their classroom. One fifth grade teacher described him “an instigator” and “a real troublemaker.”

Gabe had been suspended from his school in Dallas at least once before coming to Salesmanship Club’s Therapeutic After School Program. At this program for preteens and teens, Gabe participated in lots of group activities with other youth who had also been referred to the program due to troubles at school and home.

Over the course of several weeks, Gabe received lots of information and insights about improving communication, solving problems and strengthening his self-control. He had an opportunity to put that new information into action over the course of exciting field trips in Dallas and challenging experiential activities at Salesmanship Club’s campus on Harry Hines Boulevard.

As part of the therapy sessions that his parents and siblings participated in, the entire family came together to discuss what was going on at home. Gradually, the issues that troubled this family bubbled to the surface. It wasn’t always pretty, but each difficult conversation brought this family ever closer to understanding where the hot buttons were. And each time a button got pressed, time was made to process together what had just transpired.

The result?

Gabe is on the road to success both at home and at school. The teacher who once described him as a troublemaker now has this to say:

“As a teacher who sees the direct result of Salesmanship Club’s work, I want to tell you how deeply grateful and appreciative I am of your program. I know that Gabe’s progress over the past few months is because of your work, and he is better for it. We are spending less energy on solving social conflicts and focusing more energy on his math work. He is making friends, monitoring his own behavior, and working hard to make good choices.”

We are very proud of Gabe and his entire family. Gabe has developed a maturity that will guide him well through future challenges at home and school. Gabe’s family is being supportive not just with the “Atta boy!” comments, but by also realizing that each family member’s decisions and communications impact the other.

Baby steps in one area lead to giant steps in another.