to feel overwhelming. Kaci was struggling with trauma, depression and intense fear that often kept her isolated in her bedroom.

“She was afraid to leave the house or even be around people,” Tonia shared. “Her doctor and school both referred us for help, and that’s when we found Lakeview Center’s Community Action Team (CAT).”

Kaci began working with Lakeview Center in the summer of 2025, attending weekly services that would continue for nearly a year. At the time, she was facing deep emotional challenges connected to bullying and feeling different from her peers. As a young person on the autism spectrum, Kaci often struggled to understand herself, and to feel understood by others.

From the start, Lakeview Center created a safe and supportive space for Kaci to grow. “Our experience has been wonderful,” Tonia said. “The support helped build her confidence, and the depression she was dealing with started to lift.”

Two team members made an especially meaningful impact. Lexi White, director of Community Care Services, worked closely with Kaci on understanding her thoughts, emotions and the way her mind processes the world.

Taylor Coffield, therapeutic mentor, focused on helping Kaci engage beyond the home, slowly building comfort and confidence in her community. Together, the team helped Kaci work through fear and anxiety that once controlled her daily life.

The changes didn’t go unnoticed. About four months into services, family members began commenting on how different Kaci seemed.  “She was happier, communicating better and expressing herself more.”

Lakeview Center’s support extended beyond Kaci, helping the entire family better understand how she thinks and processes experiences. “They helped us understand Kaci and the way she comprehends things,” Tonia said. “As a parent, that meant everything.”

Today, Kaci is no longer hiding from the world. Her confidence has grown, her depression has eased and she’s beginning to imagine a future she once couldn’t see. She’s looking forward to finishing high school and is already talking about a career as a veterinary technician.

 “If you’re a parent who’s hesitating to reach out, don’t,” she said. “I can’t rave about the Community Action Team enough. If you look at Kaci a year ago and look at her now, it’s incredible. I don’t think we would be where we are today without CAT.”

To help teens experiencing mental health challenges like Kaci, give a donation online.