“I ENJOYED THE OPPORTUNITIES THAT HELPED ME GROW. I ESPECIALLY LIKED BEING A MEMBER OF THE CHOIR AND SINGING DURING CHURCH SERVICES.”

Latasha knows a thing or two about the devastating impact of drug addiction. Her mother was a heroin addict whose weakness destroyed the family and resulted in Latasha going into foster care and bouncing from home to home until she arrived at Jackson-Field almost 25 years ago. Like many of the JFBHS children, Latasha had anger management issues and attachment problems.

During her two years on campus, Latasha underwent a major change in her behaviors, thoughts, goals, and aspirations. A number of staff members kept her on the “straight and narrow,” making sure she committed to her treatment goals of learning acceptable behaviors, and improving her interpersonal skills.

“I enjoyed the opportunities that helped me grow,” says Latasha.  “I especially liked being a member of the choir and singing during church services.”

Weekly group therapy sessions focused on topics such as building healthy relationships, learning & practicing life skills, and developing anger management tactics.  Latasha continues to use all of these in her dual-career as a call center customer service representative as well as a corrections officer at a regional jail. 

“As much as 85% of incarcerated people have been drug addicts,” says Latasha, “and this hits home for me because of my mother and her addiction.  To me, my work at the jail isn’t a ‘job’… it’s a ‘calling’ to help inmates overcome their addiction and have a better life.”

Latasha is grateful to the residential staff members who guided her growth and development, and especially appreciative of former JFBHS therapist Sharon Butts.  “Without Ms. Butts, I couldn’t have done it.  She was amazing, and I often think of her and all that she taught me.”

Latasha has two daughters who are in college and a son who is in high school. “They are the center of my life, and I’m so proud of them.” “If I were able to speak to the youth at JFBHS today, I would encourage them to take advantage of the help being offered to them.” 

“If I could speak to those who donate to JFBHS, I would thank them from the bottom of my heart. Their donations to JFBHS helped me when I was a teenager to get my life on track. Today, as a corrections officer, I’m helping others get their lives on track.  Thank you.”- Latasha