 
|
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Wednesday, July 18, 2001
Here's a brief update on some of the young men and women we have written about and photographed for earlier stories in this series.
Kevin Walker, who was featured in Part One of the series, was briefly hospitalized at Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic following his aspirin overdose in February. While there, he met Becky Langer, 19, of Carnegie, and the two have since become engaged. They live in the Carnegie Towers apartment building in Carnegie, where Kevin does janitorial work. "We're embracing him. We want to help him develop these skills while he's with us," said Regina Jackson, property manager at Carnegie Towers.
Michael Durkin, featured in Part Two of the series, "has been doing very well," said his father, Brian, of North Fayette. Michael is currently awaiting transfer from the KidStep program at Western Psychiatric to a group home in Erie County where he will undergo specialized treatment. "He accepts that he needs some additional treatment
and he's ready, willing and able to take it because he wants to move on with his life," his father said. Michael hopes to return eventually to public schools to finish his high school education. Michael's mother, Cindy O'Connell of Dormont, said that since her son has been in residential treatment, "the outlook on Michael's future has improved dramatically. We just have to keep him out of the juvenile justice sytem."
After returning from a Florida treatment center in February, Becky Woolheater, featured in Part Three of the series, spent a few months with her mother in Connellsville and then moved out. She stayed briefly with friends in Homewood and is now living with relatives in McKeesport. Most of the time, Becky's "just hangin' out," she said. "I'm looking for a job, and when I find me a job, I'll get my own apartment."
The African American teen who was featured in Part Three of the series and was recently released from the maximum security New Castle Youth Development Center, is living with his mother and his infant son in McKees Rocks. While his long-term plans are unclear, he has been looking at two job offers. The young man was not identified in the series because he was the victim of a sexual assault when he was 4 years old.
Kevin Walker and fiancee Becky Langer have helped each other adjust to life outside institutions. (Robin Rombach, Post-Gazette)