Treatment home parents within Legacy's Therapeutic Foster Care (TCF) program open their homes to at-risk youth who struggle with a range of emotional and behavioral health needs.
Ms. Myrtle Keaton has been a treatment home parent with Legacy Treatment Services for 22 years. Ms. Myrtle, as the youth have lovingly named her, puts her entire heart into her work with our youth and she has done so for 90 adolescents over the past 22 years!
So many of the youth who have been in her home have kept in touch with her over the years, made her a part of their own families, acknowledged her when they have succeeded, and invited her to countless weddings, graduations, and special life events. The positive impact she has made on their lives is undeniable. Many of her youth want to acknowledge that impact, and although they all have a different story to tell, every story shines a light on her ability to form lasting relationships and to make the youth feel like family. Mealtimes hold a special place in the hearts of those who have come through Ms. Myrtle's home, bringing together community and family every day.
The Legacy team is so grateful for everything Ms. Myrtle does, and appreciates her beyond compare. Here is just a glimpse into what some of the youth who have been in her care had to say:
"Ms. Myrtle is one of many pillars and reasons behind the man I am today. Without her unconditional love and support I would not be here. She has a special place in my heart that can never be replaced or filled by another. She is the true definition of what I call a mother. She is a strong, kind and gentle woman that can move mountains especially when it's a mountain as stubborn as myself. She has made me into the person I am today and I am eternally grateful for having her in my life. I love you mom." – D
"Ms. Myrtle helped change my life. She doesn't care what problems you had before she met you because once you're with her she'll help you solve them. She went above and beyond for me and V between graduation parties and trips to NYC, she kept us busy. She can be tough but she's always going to give you what you need. I'm forever grateful for her." -E
"I moved in with Ms. Myrtle at just nine years old. At that time of my life, I had never been with somebody so structured and hard working as Ms. Myrtle. She is literally the foundation of my work ethic and roots to my hard work. She taught me everything from cleaning my room, to the bathroom, to cleaning the flower bed outside. She was as close to a perfectionist as it gets. I won't say it was the easiest or she is for everyone, but her ways were perfect for me and helped me in countless ways from the age of 9 to now the age of 28. I use what she's taught every single day of my life and will continue to until it's my time. She really takes her job with these foster children seriously and tries to help give them that family feeling they never had before. I didn't know what a "Thanksgiving" was until I moved in with Ms. Myrtle and man were they the best mealtimes of my life! Not an understatement! My kids have also grown to have a relationship with her. I spend most of my spring and summer days in my yard and that's solely because of Ms. Myrtle. I'll forever be thankful for you Ms. Myrtle and I'll be sure to pass on all the knowledge you've given me to my little ones." -J
"There is way too much to say about Ms. Myrtle. But this lady is more than just a host home. She is like my second mother. To this day, we keep in touch and with the rest of her family as well. Her daughter goes to football games with me, and her son is my barber and basketball teammate. But none-the-less, Ms. Myrtle is a loving and sweet lady that goes above and beyond her duties. She cares about every kid who comes thru her house. While in the house you learn life skills, especially how to clean. But that is something that I take with me to this day along with her secret mac and cheese recipe. Ms. Myrtle is a saint. You go into the program worried and lost as a kid, but you leave loved and with a full stomach. You are family forever [Ms. Myrtle] and I love you. You deserve everything." -M