"I honestly believe in the circulation of positive energy ~ the flow of good thoughts. That's why I'm pledging monthly to financially help Excelsior's Aftercare program," explains Robyn Alexander.

Now living in Seattle, the 45-year-old Robyn (Phelan) resided at Excelsior for one and a half years in 1978-79. "I'm doing well now. I'm so happy to be chemically clean and drug free. My thanks to everyone at Excelsior including Randy Patton, my therapist and my Sequoia Cottage staff members."

Robyn was placed at Excelsior by the Denver Department of Social Services. After completing her program, she was discharged to a group home. "The group home rules at that time said I could NOT communicate with anyone from Excelsior for 30 days. After building all that trust with Excelsior people, that felt like I was slam-dunked back into the community without any help. So I ran away from the group home. Eventually, I found my way but I know first hand how vitally important it is to transition to the community with assistance. That's why I want to financially support Excelsior's Aftercare program."

Currently, Robyn is a Freight Broker which she explains is a 'travel agent for cargo.' She has two daughters, the younger is 12 and living at home with her. The elder daughter, 26, just received her nursing credentials in Nashville, TN. "I'm a proud Mom. Thanks, again, to Excelsior Youth Center for helping me make good decisions in life."

"Excelsior remains my total support system...I really appreciate everyone's help at Excelsior!"

Expelled from surrounding high schools- Smoky Hill, Gateway and Eaglecrest- Tatiana had no options. What to do with this angry, young girl who got entangled in fist fights and then ran away from her public high schools? Even her Aunt who allowed the rebellious teen to live with her said "ENOUGH" and turned her over to a foster home through the Department of Human Services. "They sent me to Excelsior's Day Treatment program because this was my last chance. I had no options," explains Tatiana, now 25 years old. "They gave me an ultimatum: if I got into trouble as a day student, then they'd make me move in as a resident. I preferred my freedom so I did what I had to do."

What was different about Excelsior's program? "They assigned a wonderful therapist who allowed me to vent my problems. I'd never really talked to anyone before. She (Diane Lindsay) really helped me make good decisions. Unlike before, I never got into any fights at Excelsior. I enrolled in Excelsior's Cosmetology Class, earned my Cosmetology License and passed the test on the first try!"

Tatiana, now a single Mom to 5-year-old, Tashyra, worked diligently toward self reliance. She's kept her own apartment since leaving Excelsior at 17 years old.
"I've been by myself so long that I must be organized and stay on schedule." Tatiana is a cosmetologist at Salon Dayton, near Parker Road and Dayton, specializing in cuts, colors, perms, highlights, relaxers and extensions. She attends the Community College of Aurora two days a week studying psychology and plans to transfer to Metropolitan State College to become a psychotherapist. She receives financial assistance for her education from Excelsior's Lawton Scholarship.

"Excelsior remains my total support system," Tatiana says. "They're like my parents. I talk to Carol G. in Aftercare or Diane or Barb (Cosmetology) at least every week. Just last week my car was totaled by a drunk driver. I didn't know what to do with all the insurance questions. Carol G. helped me out, just like a parent would do. These Aftercare services are wonderful. I really appreciate everyone's help at Excelsior."

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