Malaja’s Story

Prior to coming to Passavant Memorial Homes (PMH), Malaja was in 33 different placements. Imagine if that were you; that is a lot of change for anyone to handle. Now imagine you’re only 12 years old. How can you ever feel at home? Does home even have a meaning?

At PMH, our Children’s Residential Program provides intensive support for our youth with mental and emotional needs and helps children and adolescents whose health is at risk while living in their community. PMH has an unconditional commitment to providing an environment with a primary focus on Therapeutic Teaching, and we believe that even in the most complex of situations, a person can thrive with the appropriate support in the appropriate setting.

Therapeutic Teaching looks beyond negative behaviors and focuses on the child holistically. Our trained staff understand the triggers and emotions that may lead to such behavior. This approach is proactive versus reactive. All children have interests, strengths, needs, and abilities, and through Therapeutic Teaching, work is accomplished, play is learned, love is felt, and life is enjoyed.

Our goal is to empower children and adolescents to develop the skills necessary to successfully return to their families and/or communities. Since joining our family, Malaja has been able to enjoy recreational activities that simply allow her to be a kid. She made her basketball team at school, started gymnastics classes, and hopes to make the cheerleading squad. Malaja’s journey illustrates the success children can have within our program.