OUR MOUNTAIN WORK
The Quarterly Newsletter of Black Mountain Home for Children
2025 – Issue II
From Surviving To Leading: Maya’s Story Maya was withdrawn when she came to us. After suffering years of neglect and abuse, she rarely spoke. Nearly two years passed before she felt secure enough to join us for an off-campus trip. So, when she wanted to go to the beach with us during her second summer, we knew something had shifted. Although Maya loved the warm sand, she kept mostly to herself. Midweek, she quietly joined two staff members enjoying the porch rockers before breakfast. After a while, one of the counselors spoke to her gently. “Maya, last night when the speaker talked about choosing to live as victors instead of victims, it really hit home for me. I grew up in an abusive home—so I know how hard that choice is.” He shared how intentionally focusing on the future had helped him begin to heal. Maya listened attentively. Then, she opened up for the first time. She shared her fear of being hurt again. Her shame. The dread of people finding out what she’d been through. How she wished she could be invisible. “Thank you for sharing that,” he said. “Maya, may I ask—what hopes do you have for your future?” For the first time, Maya shared her dream of becoming a hairdresser. Maya, used to people laughing at her dreams, seemed surprised when he said, “I think you’d be an amazing hairdresser.” He added, “Setting goals, working hard—that’s what victors do.” She was silent. “Will you let us help you make it happen?” With tears in her eyes, she nodded. That day, Maya helped build a sandcastle. The next morning, she braided her roommate’s hair. Back on campus, she slowly started saying yes to more activities. There were still hard moments—but over time, she grew more confident, more connected. That fall, she was chosen by the other youth as the President of the BMH Youth Leadership Team. Activities, recreation, and trips keep our kids active—but more importantly, they create space for staff to build trust, connect, and develop healing relationships with youth. It took two years for Maya to open up. But because of your generosity, she had a safe, nurturing home where she could heal and grow—becoming a young woman who’s learning to lead, dream, and build a brighter future.