Youth Spotlight: Alexis

Every youth who arrives at Covenant House Texas has a story that is one part tragedy and one part hopeful. We strive in every aspect of our mission to ensure that when a youth leaves us, they leave empowered personally and professionally. No one embodies this dichotomy more than Alexis, a young woman who found her way to us to escape a tragic home life. Alexis came to Covenant House Texas after breaking free from a pattern of abuse that she suffered at home.

Alexis was forced to take care of her younger siblings from an early age. The responsibilities heaped upon Alexis by her single mother frequently led to friction between them. Their relationship continued to sour as Alexis reached adolescence and things hit an all-time low when her mother brought her partner home to live with the family.

Shortly after moving into the family home, Alexis became the victim of abuse. She was 11 years old at the time. When told what happened, Alexis’ mother refused to believe her. The next seven years were filled with abuse and, fearing no one else would believe her, Alexis suffered silently. She tearfully admitted that during this time, she often considered finding a permanent end to her pain and had attempted to take her life more than once.

Struggling with her trauma, Alexis naturally turned inward, finding comfort in constantly listening to music, playing video games and making art to avoid thinking about the trauma she endured. At the age of 18, Alexis befriended a classmate at school and finally felt comfortable opening up about what she had to endure. Alexis’ friend urged her to get to safety, but not wanting to leave her siblings behind, Alexis stayed to protect them. Following a violent encounter with her abuser, Alexis finally called her friend to come and take her to safety. The family that rescued her was familiar with Covenant House Texas and recommended Alexis come here to begin rebuilding her life.

Since her arrival, Alexis has been working through her experiences with our resident therapist, Turquoise, and has finally been able to embrace her artistic side, sharing her artwork with other youth. “I’ve made a couple of friends here who have helped me see myself in a better light,” Alexis remarked. “I think being here has saved my life and I even told my little brother about it if he ever needs to leave.” Alexis noted that the mental health services at Covenant House Texas from group therapy to psychiatry have been a tremendous help in improving her mental health.

Alexis’ escape meant she was finally safe for the first time in years, but her freedom came at the price of having to drop out of high school. She is now working towards her diploma and aspires to become certified as a veterinary assistant, as this work will help to fund her ultimate goal of becoming a travel nurse. “Every time I saw a plane flying overhead as a kid, I told myself that I would be up there someday,” Alexis mentioned.

Alexis noted that despite the strained relationship with her mother, she routinely checks on her younger siblings to ensure their safety. “I didn’t think I’d make it this far but now that I’m here, I’m finally able to dream about having a future and being a rich aunt to my siblings’ kids someday,” she said.

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