Jorge’s Extended Family | Living With ADHD

By: Patricia Majerczyk, Case Worker

Sometimes it takes more than medications, therapy, and a stable living environment to help a child grow into a productive, well-balanced adult. Sometimes it takes a deep human connection based on trust, support, and unconditional love. That’s what it can take to transform a life.

“Jorge” came to live at Lee & Beulah Moor Children’s Home when he was 17 years old. He had been diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and struggled throughout his life getting appropriate therapeutic and family support. He had difficulty communicating with his parents, who were frustrated with his behavioral issues. He was passed back and forth between his parents and grandmother, who lives in Mexico.

El Paso Children's Home Offered Jorge Hope

He lacked consistency and structure in his home environment. He was severely impacted by the constant change in schools and would fall behind each time he moved. At school, he should have been classified as an 11th grader, but he wasn’t getting credit for many of the classes he had taken in Mexico. Jorge and his cottage parents met with school counselors and through their persistence—especially Jorge’s—he was able to get credit for most of the classes he took in Mexico.

During the time Jorge was in placement, he was provided with individual therapy to address his family and school frustrations. He learned coping and problem-solving skills. He had been reluctant to take his ADHD medications, but through professional help, he learned that his medication was critical to his success and kept him focused on his work. He was making noticeable improvement in school.

While living at the El Paso based children's home, Jorge developed a special connection with his cottage parent, who mentored him and took him under his wing. Mr. Holguin was always there for Jorge and provided him constant moral support and guidance. He never showed signs of getting tired or frustrated, and provided Jorge with the unconditional support he needed. Jorge learned to believe in his educational abilities and learned to take a stand and advocate for himself as an adult.

Jorge Returns Home After 15 Months in Placement

After 15 months in placement, Jorge was ready to go home. His relationship with his parents vastly improved—he had learned how to communicate and behave as a responsible adult. 

Jorge is now attending his second semester in college. He frequently visits with Mr. Holguin and maintains that important bond in his life. He also continues to visit with his caseworker. He sees his cottage parents and the staff at Lee Moor as his extended family and knows they are there for him to help him with any issue he may have in his life. He knows that these people truly care for him and will always provide him with their unconditional support and guidance.

His parents have voiced their gratitude for the life-changing difference that Lee Moor personnel made in their son’s life. Jorge has become a successful, hard-working young adult. He attends college full time and has a part-time job that helps pay for his personal expenses. Although Jorge is a very busy young man, he still takes time to drop by and have lunch with Mr. Holguin and his wife—his extended family and the people who transformed his life.