Julia’s childhood was chaotic. Her father was not in the picture, so she was raised by her mother. Julia experienced verbal, sexual, and physical abuse at a young age, and feelings of anger, rejection, and abandonment led to an eating disorder, OCD, and other issues. As a teen, Julia struggled with self-harm and used other substances to self-medicate, spending most of her high school years and early twenties in and out of treatment centers.
When Juila entered the doors of Mercy, she had an overwhelming feeling of safety for the first time. The love she felt from the staff was transformative. Julia’s relationship with her mother was restored, and she finally met her father and extended forgiveness to him. Now as a mentor, Julia supports and walks alongside other girls who are experiencing the same struggles she has overcome.
