When Justin arrived at Ozanam more than a year ago, he described himself as argumentative, emotionless, frustrated and overwhelmed.

When Tyler first arrived at Ozanam after spending time at another treatment facility, he was only 12 years old. He felt confused, angry and depressed. Previously, doctors had diagnosed him with multiple disorders and prescribed a number of different medications as a result.

When PJ was a young child, he was separated from his biological parents. They were addicted to drugs and alcohol, and their living conditions were unsafe for him and his younger brother.

"You can't change the past," admitted Francis, 17, "But you can change the future."

That is exactly what he did when he arrived at Ozanam in October 2005 after failing in school, getting arrested at the age of 16, spending time in a juvenile detention center and later a Lawrence group home all within the course of a year.

"When I first came to Ozanam, it was in October of 2004. I started out very angry, defiant and was getting into a lot of trouble. I came to Ozanam because of anger, family problems and problems in school.

When Trevor arrived at Ozanam more than 3 years ago, he seemed like a different person - and Ozanam seemed like a different place.

"Things were getting out of control at home," he said. "And I was getting out of control. I really needed some help. Now I can say that."

Chris came from a family that put very negative pressures on him. He was very low functioning and was very dependent on the people around him. From the combined effect of being wrapped up in drugs and the having negative family pressures, he has come as far as to be living on his own in the Pathways Program.

John had been in the system for much of his life. During his time in the Day Treatment Program, John's attitude and behavior continued to improve.