Jordan Presscott

Like most energetic, bright-eyed six-year-old boys, Jordan Presscott lives and breathes for skateboarding, PlayStation's most difficult levels, racecars and of course, snakes. But Jordan's life has been more turbulent than many other children his age.

For the first years of Jordan's life, he was completely unmanageable and suffered from severe fits of rage as a result of the lack of stability in his life. Sabrina, his mother, consumed by the powerful world of drugs, was struggling to take care of herself as well as her children. Jayden, Jordan's younger brother was born deaf (developmental temporary deafness), possibly due to Sabrina's drug habits during her pregnancy. After becoming dangerously close to losing her children to the courts, she decided to take charge of her life and resolved to become more active in her sons' lives. Hoping for a miracle, Sabrina, Jordan and Jayden entered Renewal Place, a two-year drug and alcohol rehabilitation program at The Salvation Army's Purdue Center of Hope.

For the first three months in the program, it was questionable whether Jordan was going to be allowed to continue attending public school. His report card was filled with "U"s or unsatisfactory conduct grades. Fights, outbursts and poor behavior had everyone at their wits end. However, Sabrina along with The Salvation Army's Child Case Manager, Ms. Perry, helped Jordan work through his issues.

Sabrina also worked closely with the Jordan's teachers. While Jordan was in school, she would talk to him on the phone if he started acting up, and once a week, she actually attended his classes to help ease the transition. Finally, Jordan began to realize that his mom was going to be there when he woke up and to tuck him into bed each night. The trust and stability made the difference. Since then, his relationship with his mother has strengthened and he is now an excellent or satisfactory conduct student.

Now, Jordan's day begins when he catches the school bus at 7:00 a.m. He is very talented in arts and crafts, and especially loves making paper airplanes. After school, he attends Tinker Tots Learning Academy. After finishing his homework, he also enjoys playing Monster Trucks with the other children. But, the best part of his day is when he returns home to Renewal Place where his mom waits to greet him with open arms.

Jordan spends the rest of his time playing with Jayden, who after coming to The Salvation Army, has made a miraculous recovery and regained full hearing capabilities. Sabrina believes that the Lord healed both of her children once she decided to ask for help. After becoming involved with The Salvation Army, Sabrina has become a wonderful mother whose main concern is providing the best life possible for Jordan and Jayden.

"It took something like the Renewal Place to wake me up to the beautiful sides of life," said Sabrina. "It's a life-changing program for the people who actually want to change their lives. God is all over this place; and even once we leave, we will take all of the lessons and love back home."