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CurDesia Hudson, a bright and charismatic high school senior with a ready smile, is a high achiever who recently published her first book and was accepted to Coastal Carolina University. Given her successes, it’s hard to believe that just two years ago she was struggling.

When she was 15, she was referred to THS’ Wraparound Program because of family dysfunction and communication issues, and eventually wound up homeless. She suffered from depression and self harm. She also was involved with the Seattle Youth Violence Prevention Initiative, a multi-agency collaboration designed to reduce youth violence and help young people get back on track. CurDesia says that before she came to THS, she felt she didn’t have a voice and was afraid to ask for help. She says, “I like my therapist- she’s really awesome. She’s a mentor.”

Esther, CurDesia’s counselor at THS and Frankie Roe, her mentor at the Young Urban Authors’ program, both encouraged her to write. She has been writing since she was in 3^rd grade and says that “writing has been a huge refuge from everything that’s gone on in my life. It’s been an amazing journey for me. Writing has always been the one thing that I’ve turned to. It’s helped be able to find my voice.”

CurDesia’s first book of poetry, called Wrote this because of you, was recently published through the Young Urban Authors’ program. “I wrote the book because I wanted somebody who was struggling like I was to know that they’re not alone. There were a lot of times in my life when I felt that no one understood me, but my writing always understands everything I put into it.”

Since beginning counseling at THS, CurDesia found housing at YouthCare, a local nonprofit that provides outreach, basic services, emergency shelter, housing, counseling, education, and employment training for at-risk and homeless youth. She’s earned college credits through Running Start, and plans to study marine biology in college.  CurDesia developed an interest in science when she studied for a month at UC Santa Cruz as part of Upward Bound Math & Science, a nationwide -program designed to strengthen the math and science skills of participating students. She enjoyed this experience and says it strengthened her desire to become a marine biologist.

In addition to writing, CurDesia likes to travel, sing, dance, take photos, read, go camping and hiking, and hang out with her sisters (ages 4 and 6). She loves going to church.

She says that “now I own the fact that I am who I am. I love and respect myself. I’ve grown so much over the last couple of years.”

CurDesia’s book Wrote this because of you is available through amazon.com.

Dr. Constance Rice with THS Executive Director Norman O. Johnson, and Alvirita Little’s children Alvin Little, Vivian Lee and Harold Booker

The 2011 Alvirita Little Award Luncheon: Fundraising and “Friendraising”

On September 22, over 320 attendees filled the Leonesa Ballroom at the Grand Hyatt Seattle, helping THS to raise more than $60,000 for youth programming.

Created by THS’ Board of Directors in 1988, the Alvirita Little Award honors an individual or organization that has contributed continuously and selflessly to children, youth, adults, and families at-risk in our community, especially those affected by chemical dependency and mental illness. The award is named in memory of Alvirita Little (May 25, 1913-June 24, 2006), who contributed over 50 years of professional and volunteer service in support of youth and families in the Greater Puget Sound Region.

Emceed by Joyce Taylor, co-anchor of KING 5 Morning News, the program included a video highlighting our ENCOMPASS program, as well as comments from Karen McPhee, the mother of an ENCOMPASS program participant. ENCOMPASS is the first evidence-based treatment for youth ages 13 to 25 years with co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders.

This year’s award was given to Dr. Constance Rice in recognition of her years of community service, her work at Casey Family Programs on behalf of youth in foster care, and her efforts on behalf of adolescents and those with HIV/AIDS in Africa. In comments made after the presentation of the award Dr. Rice, acknowledged that many community based organizations like THS are referred to as “safety nets.” She views THS as a trampoline: “Because a trampoline lifts, it keeps you going, it helps you to soar.”

THS would like to thank everyone who made this year’s luncheon a success.  Believe it or not, we will soon begin planning next year’s event.  If you would like to get involved, please contact Ken Schlegel, Director of Development and Marketing at 206-323-0930, extension 201 or KennethS@ths-wa.org.

“Recovery is all about rebuilding a life, because you’re so different when you’re using. And that’s what THS did for me – helped me rebuild my life.”

Jessica’s parents are drug addicts. At a young age she was removed from their home and placed in foster care. She ran away from foster care and came to live with her grandmother in Seattle. Almost immediately after her arrival, she became addicted to heroin. She was just 17.

Over the next couple of years, Jessica continued to use drugs. At age 19, she became pregnant and came to THS’s Pregnancy & Family Program, where she attended counseling, pregnancy information and parenting classes, and was put on a methadone maintenance program. Jessica placed her son in THS’s on-site daycare so she could attend treatment.

Jessica says that “The THS programs helped me stay clean. I never really connected with the traditional 12-step program, but the THS program works for me. It’s helpful for me to talk with other moms going through the same struggles. The program gave me the support to stay clean & sober.”

Jessica has been clean and sober for 7 years, and has been off of methadone for a year and a half. Her son is now 6 and thriving, and she recently had another son who is now 5 months old. Jessica is no longer an active client here at THS, though she still comes back occasionally to talk with her counselor if she needs an opinion or advice.

During her treatment, THS counselors encouraged Jessica to go back to school. She attended Seattle Central Community College, where she maintained a 3.92 GPA and then transferred to Seattle University on a full scholarship. Jessica recently completed her B.S. in Nursing and passed her licensing exam to become a Registered Nurse. She says “I couldn’t have done any of this without the programs at THS.”

“This place is a community. It's a place to get clean, but also a community. And that's especially important for addicts, since many of us got into drugs looking for a community. There's a real sense of camaraderie and feeling understood and accepted both by other people who are also in recovery, and also by the THS staff.”

Emcee: Joyce Taylor, KING5 Morning News

September 22, 2011

The Grand Hyatt, Downtown Seattle

Registration: 11:30am

Luncheon Program: 12:00pm – 1:00pm

At THS, we serve everyone who comes to us for help with treatment and recovery for alcohol and drug addiction and/or mental health disorders, regardless of their ability to pay. To help underwrite this ever-expanding need, THS hosts the Alvirita Little Award Luncheon every year. The luncheon is named in memory of Alvirita Little, who was a legend throughout the community for her tireless efforts to provide education and opportunities for underserved, at-risk youth and young adults.

Alvirita Little (1993-2006)

At the luncheon, we honor an individual or organization that has contributed continuously and selflessly to help children, youth, adults and families at-risk—especially those affected by chemical dependency and mental illness. This year's recipient of the Alvirita Little Award is Dr. Constance Rice, managing director of Knowledge Management at Casey Family Programs. Dr. Rice was selected because of her years of community service, her work at Casey Family Programs on behalf of youth in foster care, and her efforts on behalf of adolescents and those with HIV/AIDS in Africa.

There is no cost to attend the luncheon; the suggested donation is $150. All proceeds benefit Therapeutic Health Services.

To register, please click here.

For more information, please contact Ken Schlegel at kenneths@ths-wa.org or (206) 323-0930 ext. 201