Adrienne

My name is Adrienne Craver. When I came to Hopewell, my diagnosis was depression. What I was going through seemed like much more.

Since age three, I was raised by the most wonderful woman in the world. I don’t remember much before she adopted me, but not many of us can remember our earliest days with crystal clarity. Growing up was hard for me due to a physical disability. Perhaps childhood achievements and defeats don’t come to the surface until we become adults.

I started hearing voices. I was tormented by hallucinations, and was cutting myself. When I came to Hopewell, it wasn’t easy for me at first. I was away from my home, and I cried all the time. I was never good at making friends, and I was nasty to people because I didn’t like myself.

But at Hopewell I did make friends. I could rely on the staff and could go to them when I felt low. And I learned that I could take control of my own situation.

One of the best things about Hopewell was the opportunity to connect with the farm animals, especially the horses. This led to my career path. I am now in college as an Equestrian Studies major.

Two years ago, I wanted to die. Today I am on my way to becoming a therapeutic riding instructor. I believe Hopewell saved my life.