“They started to see that their value was inherent. It wasn’t something that could be taken away.”
This reflection was just one of many powerful ones that Meredith Hall, MSW, Intake Specialist and Care Manager for Chosen, had as she guided a group of girls through a program called Making Sense of Your Worth. Developed by the HALO Project and brought to life through Chosen’s guidance, the curriculum was designed to help participants understand their intrinsic value and begin the process of healing.
Chosen staff provided a safe and supportive environment, guided the teens through the curriculum, helped them confront their trauma, reframed negative beliefs about themselves, and fostered healing. Their support validated participants’ feelings and provided the tools needed to explore their past experiences and begin to rebuild their sense of self-worth.
These young women, aged 12 to 17, had faced more challenges than most experience in a lifetime. From the instability of foster care and the harsh realities of juvenile detention to the lingering pain of abuse and loss, their pasts were marked by hardship. But through the program, they found something far more powerful: the belief that their worth was not defined by their circumstances.
Meredith, one of the facilitators of the program, recalled moments of transformation that left a lasting impact.
“One of the girls had been so closed off at first,” Meredith shared. “She’d built walls around herself, unwilling to trust. But as the weeks passed, she began to share her story. Seeing her open up, knowing she felt safe enough to be vulnerable, was one of the most powerful moments.”
In that space, a journey of healing began. The girls supported each other with empathy and understanding, creating a community where no one felt alone. Through lessons and guided conversations, they learned to separate their past experiences from their identity. Meredith explained that the program emphasized a critical truth: the actions of others did not define them.
There were other breakthrough moments. A girl who had once resisted participating, often expressing anger and frustration, experienced a visible shift. By the end of the program, she stepped into a leadership role within the group, encouraging others and offering support. Her transformation was a testament to the importance of showing up consistently, even when met with resistance, and the power of being seen and encouraged by someone who truly understands.
“It was amazing to see her confidence grow,” Meredith reflected. “She went from pushing others away to lifting them up.”
Chosen’s approach goes beyond traditional care. Making Sense of Your Worth is just one of the many programs and frameworks we use to provide individualized support as we walk alongside families and individuals. The girls who participated in this program not only gained new skills to navigate their emotions and relationships but also began to rewrite their personal narratives.
“I hope they carry with them the belief that they are worthy of love and respect,” Meredith said. “And that they remember they are never alone in their healing journey.”
Through the support of Chosen and the courage of these young women, real change took place. In the presence of others who listened and cared, they found connection. And in discovering their own worth, they unlocked the opportunity to build a future filled with hope and possibility.
Chosen Walks Alongside the Caregivers
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