Wraparound Services for At-Risk Youth: Jonah’s Journey

“Casa Pacifica’s Wraparound services for at-risk youth helped save this client’s life.” — Santa Barbara County Probation Officer

At just 15, Jonah faced struggles that few adults could bear.

Raised in an underserved neighborhood with gang influences woven into his family’s fabric, he found himself on a dangerous path of substance abuse. Despite his mother’s best efforts, the shadows of drugs and violence surrounded him.

After a severe overdose led to a prolonged hospitalization, Jonah’s life intersected with law enforcement, and soon, he was placed on probation. Facing the possibility of an out-of-home placement, Jonah was referred to Casa Pacifica’s Wraparound services for at-risk youth—a turning point for him and his family.

Wraparound became a lifeline for Jonah, enveloping him and his mother in a supportive network dedicated to one thing: his success. More than just a program, Wraparound is a collaborative effort that provides access to an array of comprehensive mental health services, “wrapping” a youth and family with support. At Casa Pacifica, Wraparound staff do whatever it takes to keep children safe and thriving within their homes and communities. By assembling a Child and Family Team (CFT) of counselors, specialists, and community advocates, the Wraparound team designs a plan that draws on the strengths of youth and their families, helping them achieve goals once out of reach.

“Wraparound is an unconditional commitment to a family’s success,” shares Stacy Menhennitt, Wraparound Program Manager. “If the plan isn’t working, we adapt. We keep trying until we find what works for each child and family.”

Jonah’s journey through Wraparound wasn’t easy, but he was determined to turn things around. His goals? To get off probation, improve his grades and make his mother proud. While his past threatened to pull him back into risky behaviors, his Wraparound team guided him towards healthier choices. Jonah courageously entered a drug treatment program in early 2023, and upon his return, his commitment to recovery grew stronger.

Gradually, Jonah’s hard work began to pay off. His grades improved, and he gained confidence in a future beyond his troubled past. “Wraparound helped me stay focused. My team gave me the support I needed when things felt overwhelming,” Jonah shared. “They never gave up on me, and knowing I had people in my corner made all the difference.” With his grades steadily improving, Jonah enrolled at Grizzly Academy, a structured environment that nurtures youth facing similar struggles. He saw this as an opportunity to continue building skills and resilience for his future.

In July 2024, after achieving sobriety, improving his academic standing, and making his mother proud, Jonah graduated from Wraparound with a renewed sense of purpose. His probation officer remarked, “Wraparound saved this client’s life.” He hopes that Jonah’s probation will be fully terminated after he completes Grizzly Academy in 2025.

Since his graduation from Wraparound, Jonah’s mother has shared stories of his continued growth, gratitude, and resilience. She credits Casa Pacifica’s Wraparound program for transforming their lives.

Jonah’s journey is one of many that reflect the heart of the Wraparound model—a steadfast commitment to each young person’s future, helping them to build paths of hope, stability and opportunity.

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