Stories from current and former residents:

Since deciding to move into Vanderheyden’s Independent Living Apartment, he is optimistic about tomorrow. A far cry from the way he felt just a few years ago. In fact, he never thought he would make it to the age of 18, let alone graduate from high school with an advanced regent’s diploma. But with the help and understanding of the supportive staff at Vanderheyden, he has more to live for now and is excited for the future.

Before entering Vanderheyden, he had been hospitalized twice for his behavior and twice for drug overdoses. He had lived in a Group Home at another facility, kinship foster care, and two other foster homes. After 13 weeks in rehab, he came to Vanderheyden. He admits that his first week was “terrible”. But when a Crandall Boys Group Home staff member took him to a Narcotics Anonymous meeting, it changed his life. After a few months he noticed that he wasn’t as angry anymore. He started to succeed in the Vanderheyden program, moving up in phases. The day a staff member asked him to run an errand for the Group Home felt like a breakthrough for him, for the first time someone trusted him. And while “doing the right thing took a while to get used to” he realized the progress he had made and felt proud of his success. He started to make the best of things- including receiving Honors in his school work.

Instead of leaving the program once he graduated high school, he has decided the best thing for him is to move into Vanderheyden’s Independent Living Apartments. In the fall he will be attending Hudson Valley Community College. When asked what he’s interested in studying, he says he just wants to go and see all the different things that he can learn and not narrow down his choices just yet.