Gaining Confidence After Trauma: Devin’s Story
Trauma manifests in different ways in both childhood and adulthood. Where some may express anxiety or anger, others may become isolated. For Devin, the trauma he experienced growing up resulted in withdrawal from others. After years of believing his voice didn’t matter, he grew nearly non-verbal and struggled to connect with people. But during his time with our partner, Timothy Hill Ranch, Devin began to rediscover his confidence. Timothy Hill’s faith-based residential campuses offer therapy, educational opportunities, and workforce development. These programs help youth and young adults like Devin heal, grow, and prepare for their futures. We follow Devin’s journey at Timothy Hill as he regains confidence after his trauma.
Finding His Voice
Devin arrived at Timothy Hill Ranch in December 2023 as a quiet, reserved 18-year-old. After spending most of his life in the foster care system, he’d learned to withdraw from the world around him. He believed his voice didn’t matter, and as a result, he became nearly non-verbal. Years of trauma made Devin uncertain how to trust or communicate. The future seemed unclear, and his dreams were locked behind walls of silence and fear.
Yet, Timothy Hill’s staff saw a young man with potential, a desire to grow, and a heart yearning to be understood. This is where their onsite clinical therapists made a huge difference. With patience and understanding, Devin’s counselors helped him begin to address his past trauma. They worked with him every step of the way to show him his voice is worth hearing.
As the Timothy Hill team provided encouragement, Devin’s communication skills blossomed. What began as simple gestures and hesitant words grew into full conversations as he found his voice. Timothy Hill’s supportive environment gave him the safety and security to be himself.
Gaining Confidence Post-Trauma
As Devin began to communicate more freely, he also discovered new talents through Timothy Hill’s Work Sharp program. Work Sharp provides life skills development and workforce training for transition-aged youth to help them go from foster care to adulthood. This is especially valuable for young adults who lack a support system, as it prepares them for independence in an encouraging community.
The Work Sharp program increased Devin’s confidence as he learned new skills and gained practical knowledge. It was in Timothy Hill’s skill-building workshops that he discovered his natural talent for craftsmanship. He found purpose in creating, repairing, and building, which sparked a new sense of joy.
Devin also met many milestones. When he first arrived at Timothy Hill, getting his driver’s license seemed like an impossibility. But at the end of 2024, nearly a year later, he secured it.
Another remarkable turning point came when Devin boldly asked an employment partner about job opportunities. With his own voice, he signaled his readiness to step into the world with ambition. With support from Timothy Hill, he secured a job, honed his new skills, and embraced responsibility. Most importantly, he learned to navigate tough situations, believing no challenge was too big to overcome.
Looking Ahead with Hope
Today, Devin is no longer the quiet, withdrawn boy who arrived at the ranch. He’s now a thriving 20-year-old equipped with valuable skills, a job, and a renewed sense of hope. Where before his future felt uncertain, Devin looks forward to pursuing a career in the flooring industry. His transformation stands as a powerful testament to the love, patience, and faith that have guided him—a reflection of the unwavering care of Jesus and a dedicated community at his back.
Davin says in his own words, “I learned life is a whole lot easier when you have a family like Timothy Hill Ranch to help you.”
When you give through For Others, you help partners like Timothy Hill Ranch give life-changing support to youth and young adults. They no longer need to navigate alone or struggle in silence. Instead, they gain confidence even after trauma. Supporting transition-aged youth like Devin helps us end the child welfare crisis in America.
We invite you to be a part of the solution! Donate to help us serve more children and youth today.
