Ragland Interview

We recently had an interview with the Ragland family - Chris, Belinda, (Jordan), and Brionna - who received services from New Directions Youth and Family Services during a difficult time in their lives. Read below to discover how assistance from New Directions Youth and Family Services helped them to find a new direction.

What services did you receive from New Directions Youth and Family Services?

Belinda: “In 2016, our family was really struggling and we didn’t know where to turn. After our daughter was released from the hospital due to depression and suicidal thoughts, New Directions was recommended to us as a way to help her find a new goal. Vera, our case worker from New Directions, suggested a variety of ideas and personal training sparked Brionna’s interest. It wasn’t always easy getting her to go. One day, she joked, ‘Mom, why don’t you come with me?’ And I went. I enjoyed it. We continued going together for a while. Eventually, she stopped going, but I continued.”

Brionna: “I wouldn’t be who I am today if not for that.”

How does fitness play in your family’s life even as you stopped receiving services from New Directions Youth and Family Services?

Chris: “Through fitness and the gym we were able to connect as a family because it was a common interest. The whole family is now involved in fitness. Belinda and I even opened a gym in Lockport, Be Strong Personal Training & Fitness LLC.”

Belinda: “I probably would’ve never gone to a personal trainer if not for New Directions. It was definitely life changing. The strength training helped me to relieve some of the stress I was feeling.”

Brionna: “Going to the gym helped me to feel physically and mentally better afterwards. I was able to test the ability of my body. I actually still go to the gym that this all started at, but now I go as an instructor. I am a yoga instructor and I am going to school to be a Physical Therapist Assistant.”

Belinda: “The help that we received from New Directions really inspired us. It is because of the impact that going to the gym has had on our family that we’d like to give back – to go full circle with it. Help others find direction in the same way.”

What advice do you have for others who may be interested in starting their journey in the fitness world?

Brionna: “Be kind to yourself and listen to your body.”

Belinda: “Don’t give up. Even if you have a bad day, the next one could be better.”

Is there any advice that you have for others who may be interested in services from New Directions Youth and Family Services?

Belinda: “Give it a try! You never know what could help.”

Chris: “Life has its challenges. During these challenges, you can feel lost and it can be difficult to find direction. New Directions Youth and Family Services is a great resource for people who are experiencing this. Our family found our direction through exercise. Because of New Directions’ support, we were able to turn our negative into a positive. We were able to choose challenges that we could overcome through fitness. We could challenge our bodies and push our limits in a healthy way.”