“There’s a light at the end of every tunnel. To get there just follow the silver lining”

 – Anthon St. Maarten

From Trauma to Triumph.

We first shared Lucy’s story when she completed her treatment at Jackson-Feild Behavioral Health Services (JFBHS). Now, she is thriving, and her journey continues to inspire. Lucy spent eight months at JFBHS, six of those in Marshall Cottage, where she found the support and structure she needed to heal and grow. Reflecting on her time there, she expressed deep gratitude for the staff who never gave up on her—even when she made it difficult.

“Marshall Cottage provided me with the structure I needed to focus on my treatment while also offering a safe and supportive environment,” she shared. “Without the support I received at Jackson-Feild, I truly don’t know if I would be here today.”

Since leaving JFBHS, Lucy has accomplished remarkable things. She graduated high school in 2024 with a 4.0 GPA and was a proud member of the National Honor Society. In addition to her academic success, she earned certifications in EMS, BLS, and suicide prevention. Now, she is pursuing higher education at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, majoring in Nursing with a minor in Military Science. She also joined the Army ROTC program, taking another step toward her future goals.

“I never thought I would make it to college—let alone thrive in it,” Lucy admitted. She ended her first semester with a 3.4 GPA and has been actively preparing for the next chapter of her career. This summer, she secured a job as a health officer at a camp for children with mental disabilities. Next semester, she plans to apply to nursing school, with the long-term goal of becoming a trauma nurse.

Beyond these academic and professional achievements, Lucy is also celebrating personal milestones. She has been clean from self-harm for over two-and-a-half years. Over time, she has successfully reduced her medications and is now taking just one at a very low dose, with hopes of eventually being medication-free. “I’ve been keeping busy, but more importantly, I’m doing really well mentally,” she said. Lucy’s journey from JFBHS to where she is today is a testament to her resilience and determination.

“Thank you for never giving up on me. I am endlessly grateful,” Lucy said.