She’s only 20 years old, but Patricia Townsend knows what she needs to do. “The lessons I’ve learned from my past mistakes has given me the wisdom to continue on to get my high school diploma.” She plans to graduate in June. After graduation, Patricia will commit 16 weeks to earn a certification as a medical assistant. “I want to help people,” she says. She calls her experience with the teachers and staff at Christel House DORS an amazing opportunity. “They have been really supportive when I needed it – they’ve been in my corner, giving me encouragement and emotional support.” Looking back at growing up, Patricia admits she has seen her family struggle to succeed. “I don’t want to repeat the cycle,” she says. “There is no reason to give up when there’s an opportunity like Christel House DORS to help.”