A Group That Helped Me Grow at Home

“A place of refuge, a home away from home,

Where strangers became family, and I was never alone.

A group home that welcomed me, with open arms,

And helped me grow, through life's joys and alarms.

Within its walls, I found a sense of belonging,

A feeling of safety, where my heart could keep on singing.

The staff and residents, a diverse and vibrant crew,

Became my mentors, friends, and confidants, through and through.

Together we shared, our struggles and our fears,

And supported each other, through laughter and tears.

We learned to trust, to communicate, and to care,

And discovered our strengths, and our worth, beyond compare.

In this home, I found my voice, my passion, and my fire,

And learned to navigate, life's twists and turns, with desire.

I grew in confidence, in self-esteem, and in grace,

And developed resilience, to face life's challenges with pace.

A group home that helped me grow, as a young teen,

Taught me valuable lessons, that I'll always glean.

It showed me that family, comes in many forms,

And that love, support, and acceptance, can transform.

So here's to the memories, the laughter, and the tears,

And to the people, who wiped away my fears.

Thank you for believing, in me, and in my worth,

And for helping me grow, into the person I am today, on this earth.”

— Poem by J.G.