"There was a huge public outpouring to the recent articles in The New York Times about Family Foundation School, a last-resort institution for troubled teens in upstate New York. It described the near 50% death rate of alumni-including many by suicide-and how the survivors lived with their trauma in the years after leaving the school. A follow-up piece this January covered the shocking facts that came to light through multiple lawsuits and the continuing fight for justice on behalf of the survivors. No one would know this story without Liz, known around the world as Survivor993, and this searing memoir-for readers of works like Girl, Interrupted, Finding Me by Michelle Knight, and The Boy Who Was Raised by a Dog by Bruce Perry-shares the story of her years at Family Foundation, and her rage and recovery in the years after she left. Liz refused to live a quiet life after what she had been through; this is her story of pointing fingers and fighting back. Her hashtag #Iseeyousurvivor has been shared 237 million times. In a narrative reminiscent of Erin Brockovich, Liz and her group of "troubled teens" shut the Family Foundation School after testifying in Congress, and they went on to shutter The Agape Boys Ranch and Circle of Hope, two abusive Christian homes in Missouri. I SEE YOU, SURVIVOR, is about what really happened at The Family and the thousands of facilities like it, about how destroying a child through "tough love" is abuse, and the abuse of children has consequences. This book will challenge your faith, break your heart and make you cry-but this is not a dark book. It is an inspiring book. Because it's not a book about trauma, it's about triumph, and Liz's critical message for every survivor she sees: "You are not broken. You are not unlovable. And you are not alone. There are millions of us. And I come with a message, for you, for them, for everyone: They act strong, but we are stronger. We are worthy. We are not alone. Speak, and we will be there for you. Speak, because there is power in your testimony. Speak, and we will win.""-- Provided by publisher.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.