We have some great news to share about the residents and staff at Avis Birely Group Home for Boys! We all know how important recreational activity is for the mind and body and in April, the young men at Avis Birely began a new activity that will continue through summer! The residents are participating in boxing lessons at a nearby Boxing Gym. The youth are being trained by the owner who is also providing lessons of discipline and self-control. In addition to getting a hard core workout, the young men are learning how to take out their stresses in a safe, controlled environment. They are also improving coordination, body awareness, confidence, and self-esteem!

We are proud to report that Avis Birely has a new Acting Senior Counselor, Mr. Ronald Lilley who has been promoted from counselor at Avis Birely, where he has worked since his date of hire. Mr. Ronald is reliable, dependable and well-respected by the residents and his colleagues. He regularly displays outstanding leadership qualities. In his new role Mr. Ronald will continue to be one of the many faces of the program representing Avis Birely and Hearts & Homes in the community, and provide support and guidance to both the staff and our youth. 

Individually, the youth at Avis Birely have a lot to be proud of. For example, Jesse entered Avis Birely with a history of truancy. He currently is in 10th grade and has zero unexcused absences. Jesse attends school each day and is well liked by his teachers. He currently has a chronic health disorder that he is receiving treatment for. Jesse is expected to be successfully discharged from the program at the end of the school year in June. To assist with a seamless transition home, staff at Avis Birely have put together a comprehensive health plan that includes physicians and specialists in his area who will be able to follow up with his treatment when he returns home to Baltimore.

Wally is from Montgomery County, he has been attending a local school, playing recreational basketball, and conditioning for the upcoming football recreation summer league as quarterback. Wally earned a 3.4 GPA this past quarter. Wally is making great progress in the program and is expected to return home this upcoming summer.

Justin entered Avis Birely with family issues. Through family therapy facilitated by Avis Birely’s Social Worker, Justin has been working on improving his relations with family members. He has been going home on the weekends over the past two months and each visit has been successful. Justin’s mother has also learned how to provide some support to Justin, to assist him with de-escalation. Justin is making great progress in our program. 

Chris has a history of being bullied and as a result, he has been taking out his frustrations and anger on other people at school. Chris has been receiving encouragement and support from a residential peer regarding self-esteem and as a result, his behaviors are improving. He and some of his peers were recently recognized by their school for their behavior improvements and were taken on a REWARDS trip to Sugar Loaf Mountain.

James, a newer resident, has begun school in May. He was initially resistant but after attending his first day, he had a change of heart. He currently is working on his anger management with the clinical team at Avis Birely.