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Forgiveness is key to success

Young people leaving foster care and state custody receive help through Transition Services, a caring program of ACT.

Transition youth were recently inspired by speaker Nate Waters who urged them to forgive the people who hurt them and to accept the help offered at ACT to find success.

Waters was left to die, unable to move, after his mother's boyfriend broke his neck. Fortunately, his sister came home and called the ambulance. When Waters left the hospital, paralyzed from the neck down, his mother would not take him in. He moved to a nursing home.

For some people, that would have been the end, but for Waters, it was just the beginning of a life of inspiration to others. Nate said he had to forgive his mother, set goals and accept the help of others to achieve those goals. He went to school, found a job at Williams and began rehabilitation to regain the use of his body. His ultimate goal is to walk again.

The 25 people who heard Waters speak were visibly moved by his story. Several young people visited with Waters after the presentation, and at least one young man said he plans to keep in touch with Waters because "he gets it. He understands what we've gone through."

Young men and women in Transition Services receive help finding jobs, educational opportunities and places to stay. The youth also learn skills for independent living.

You also can help these young people:

• Become a mentor
• Donate gently used clothing and household items
• Provide employment
• Give money for emergencies like food and utilities

Contact Carl Powell at 918.813.3969 for details.

Transition Services is one of many ways ACT cares for children, adolescents and young adults.

Crystal Darkness Oklahoma, co-chaired by Oklahoma First Lady Kim Henry, begins with a half-hour documentary airing on all Oklahoma television stations, as well as radio and internet, from 6:30-7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 13.  The documentary will feature testimonials on the devastating impact methamphetamine or "meth" has on families and communities across the state.

Watch parties are scheduled throughout Tulsa and northeast Oklahoma. ACT clinical staff Paula Vella, Brandy Grant and Tina Royster will be among Tulsa area mental health and substance abuse professionals available by calling  2-1-1 during and after the broadcast to answer questions and requests for services.

ACT also is listed as a place to seek help for meth addiction. For more information about Crystal Darkness Oklahoma visit http://www.crystaldarknessoklahoma.org/.