From TAY participant to published author: A story of growth and hope

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What began as a lifelong passion for storytelling has become a published accomplishment for Kascey, a participant in the San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health’s Transitional Age Youth (TAY) program and a longtime youth advocate.

Kascey recently published Branched Divinity: Mirrored, a more than 500-page novel shaped by themes of hope, resilience, change and the experiences of young people navigating an uncertain world. Kascey began developing stories and characters at a young age and discovered creative writing as an important outlet while in high school.

The accomplishment represents much more than publishing a book. It reflects years of personal growth, connection and perseverance, a journey Kascey says was strengthened through participation in DBH’s TAY program.

Kascey began receiving services through the TAY Center in 2021 after moving to San Bernardino County during a period of significant transition and isolation. The program provided something Kascey said had been missing: a place to belong.

“I just enjoyed having a place where I didn’t have to just sit alone in my room all day,” Kascey shared. Within approximately six months, Kascey described being in a much different place and “actually thriving.”

That connection soon opened the door to another opportunity. After seeing a flyer through TAY for the Youth Advisory Board, Kascey joined a virtual meeting, a seemingly small decision that would have a lasting impact. Kascey went on to serve as president of the board for four years and discovered a passion for advocacy.

Through TAY services, Kascey also credits therapy with helping build communication skills, confidence and the ability to better express thoughts and feelings.

“The therapy here really helped me learn how to communicate, learn how to express myself,” Kascey said.

Today, Kascey points to increased independence as one of the greatest measures of that progress. At one time, Kascey’s family was considering whether a higher level of care would be necessary. Now, the conversation has shifted toward living independently and obtaining an apartment.

“That’s the growth I’m most proud of,” Kascey said.

Publishing Branched Divinity is another milestone in that journey.

Despite being told that writing a book might not be possible, Kascey completed the novel and has already finished a second book. The experience reflects a personal philosophy Kascey has developed when facing challenges: when someone says something cannot be done, use it as motivation to move forward.

Kascey describes Branched Divinity as an “existential thriller comedy” that follows characters navigating sacrifice, responsibility and generational change. Beneath its fictional world is a message Kascey hopes resonates especially with young people who may be struggling: hope exists, people are willing to help and difficult experiences do not have to define what comes next.

The overall message closely reflects the purpose of DBH’s work with transitional age youth, helping young people build connections, access support and recognize possibilities for their future.

Kascey’s journey also demonstrates how behavioral health services can extend beyond treatment alone. A welcoming space, a connection to therapy, an invitation to participate and an opportunity to have a voice can become building blocks for confidence, leadership, creativity and independence.

For Kascey, those opportunities have also created a desire to support others.

“If you feel like you are alone, you are going to find your people,” Kascey said. “And if it takes too long, become the person you need.”

From TAY participant to youth advocate and now published author, Kascey’s story is an example of what can happen when young people are connected to support, community and opportunities that help them discover their own path forward.

As Kascey puts it, sometimes one small decision is all it takes to change a life.

To learn more about the Department of Behavioral Health, visit wp.sbcounty.gov/dbh.

Additional County Update News – August 27, 2026