Darius stepped on our campus as someone who was nervous, unsure, and carrying a lot inside. However, there was also a sense of excitement. A feeling that maybe this place could be different.
Before arriving, things hadn’t been easy, challenges he faced weighed on him, making him uncertain about being in a new environment. Structure felt unfamiliar to him, and there was less freedom than he was used to having. Even meeting new people felt overwhelming in the beginning, but over time, that began to change.
A year into his journey, Darius developed a routine. The days were structured, sometimes repetitive, but within that routine, he discovered stability. What once felt difficult started to feel manageable. Talking to people has become easier. The staff made a difference. They showed up in ways that mattered from listening, supporting, and creating space for him to open up at his own pace.
“They treat you like a real person,” he shared. This meant everything to him.
His days were filled with both responsibility and opportunity. During the week, he balanced school and personal growth, waking up, getting ready, attending classes, and learning new skills. He particularly enjoyed music and carpentry, where he discovered a sense of pride in creating something from scratch. One of his favorite accomplishments was carving a wooden dove.
On weekends, life slowed down a bit, time for chores and reflection, and small moments of downtime. Outside of structure, Darius found joy in creativity, making art an outlet for him. Through drawing, painting, and making things helped him express what words sometimes couldn’t. Video games also offered a way to unwind and helped him through his journey of healing.
He remembers those specials moments that stood out, being his birthday. The staff decorated the unit, made sure he had an ice cream cake and let him choose gifts ahead of time. He appreciated being seen, valued and cared for in a way he hadn’t expected.
Another highlight was a large carnival event, full of energy, laughter, and small joys like the giant slides and chocolate ice cream.
One of the most impactful experiences, though, came through something completely new: a theatre workshop. This was the first time Nexus-Woodbourne offered this to our youth and didn’t hesitate to try. Through the workshop, he performed a monologue of his life where he learned how to project his voice, speak clearly, and bring energy into everything he did. More importantly, he learned how to express himself openly.
Reflecting on the experience he remembers thinking, “Wow, I really just did that. That’s crazy.” He was so proud of himself for building courage and confidence to participate.
Through it all, Darius built connections, with staff, with peers, and with himself and was even invited to our recent Building B’more Connections Event where he spoke about his journey with us, his goals, and the great things he’s accomplished.
He credits us for teaching him how to pause and think before acting, to talk through problems instead of holding them in, and to trust that growth takes time.
Nice, funny, and smart are three words he says best describes him now. He’s currently on honor roll, has enrolled in a School of the arts program studying music and learning to make beats all while building a positive social support system.
Darius offers advice to others considering a similar path to, “find someone you trust and talk to them.” And shared that, “Nexus-Woodbourne will always be my family, I am grateful for the patience and kindness staff displayed to me!”
His journey isn’t defined by where he started, but it’s shaped by how far he’s come.