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I arrived at Chambers Hill Adolescent Program a mentally broken, physically exhausted, and emotionally empty boy. The freefall of my life had come to a jarring halt as I slammed into the bottom of the hole I’d dug for myself. I hated the person I had become. Lost in a sea of confusion and uncertainty, I passed through the threshold to begin the next chapter of my life.

Immediately I found myself feeling like an outcast, quickly finding many reasons to separate myself from my new peers. I dressed differently, listened to different music and spoke what felt like a completely different language. I wanted to go home, yet I knew I never wanted to go back to the life I’d left there. Deep down I knew I needed to find a new way to live, and thought, just maybe, Gaudenzia would help me.

During my first one-on-one session, I tried to “play it cool,” as if I had it all figured out. My counselor saw right through my antics and kept me honest. I had spent so many years masking my feelings with drugs that I had no idea how to deal with them. Just as the Gaudenzia Philosophy says, until I was able to confront myself in the eyes and hearts of others, I was running. Through further sessions and other assignments, she helped me learn healthy outlets for my emotions. I no longer had to run every time I didn’t like the way I felt; I could deal with the ups and downs of life in a productive way. When I fell short, the staff at CHAP picked me back up and got me on the right path.

From there, I began experiencing life in a completely new way. I certainly had my share of challenges, but I worked through them. I came to CHAP as a timid boy and left as a resolute young man. It’s been thirteen years since I walked out of those doors with my head held high, and I’ve kept the same clean date. I have earned a master’s degree in mechanical engineering and now work as an engineering manager at a high-tech company.  I have a beautiful wife and a house, but most importantly, I have serenity.

Donor Advised Funds


Donor Advised Funds have become increasingly popular for individuals and their families to manage their charitable donations. Please consult your tax professional regarding its array of benefits.

Grant recommendations through Donor Advised Funds may be made to Gaudenzia Foundation, for use wherever the need is greatest. They may also be directed to thematic areas at Gaudenzia, such as: client treatment scholarships; women and children’s programs; capital improvements; or unrestricted endowment.

If you have a Donor Advised Fund, please click on the link below to help facilitate a grant recommendation to Gaudenzia.

Gaudenzia Foundation’s tax I.D. number is 23-2141-307.

For more information, please connect Chief Philanthropy Officer, Joanne Bogrett at jbogrett@gaudenzia.org.