Welcome to the online press kit for Meg Appelgate

Welcome to the official press kit for Meg Appelgate, a leading voice in advocacy against institutional child abuse within the Troubled Teen Industry (TTI). Meg brings a wealth of expertise as both a survivor of TTI programs and the co-founder and CEO of Unsilenced, a nonprofit dedicated to reforming these facilities and supporting survivors.

Meg’s Journey: From Survivor to Advocate

Meg’s story is one of incredible resilience and transformation. At the age of 15, she was struggling with severe bullying, ADHD, adoption trauma, and undiagnosed autism. Her parents, desperate for help, turned to the Troubled Teen Industry. Meg became one of the 120,000-200,000 youths funneled into this multi-billion dollar industry every year. Over the next three and a half years, she was subjected to severe brainwashing and abuse in two separate facilities that masqueraded as “treatment” programs.

These experiences left deep scars, but also ignited a fire within her. After graduating with a degree in psychology, Meg spent 17 years dedicating her life to serving on various nonprofit boards. She focused on board development, recruitment, and program expansion, all while being unaware of the full extent of the abuse she had endured. It was only later in her career that Meg fully realized the impact of her past, which fueled her passion to support and empower other survivors of institutional abuse. This is when she decided to turn her pain into purpose.

The Troubled Teen Industry: A Hidden Crisis

The Troubled Teen Industry is a largely unregulated multi-billion dollar sector that targets vulnerable teens and their desperate families. These programs often promise reform, therapy, and rehabilitation but instead deliver abuse, neglect, and psychological harm. According to a 2020 report by the Government Accountability Office (GAO), thousands of allegations of abuse, neglect, and civil rights violations have been documented within the TTI.

Meg’s experiences and her work with Unsilenced provide a critical insider perspective on the urgent need for reform in this industry. Unsilenced is committed to promoting appropriate, healthy, and effective alternatives to these programs, advocating for the protection of the civil, social, and human rights of youth.

Troubling Statistics About the Troubled Teen Industry (TTI)

Size and Scope: The TTI is a multi-billion dollar industry with approximately 120,000-200,000 young people enrolled in various programs annually across the United States.

Lack of Regulation: TTI facilities operate with no federal regulation and operate with little to no government oversight, resulting in widespread reports of abuse, neglect, and mistreatment.

Survivor Stories: Countless survivors like Meg report experiences of physical, emotional, and psychological abuse, often likening their time in these programs to being in a cult-like environment.

Professional Accomplishments and Philanthropic Work

Meg brings a wealth of experience in nonprofit management and fund development. She is currently the Vice President, Trustee, and Managing Director at the Gochnauer Foundation.

Her dedication to philanthropy is further evidenced by her active involvement on the Boards of Directors at Laura’s House and The Shea Center. Additionally, Meg has served on numerous other boards, including:

The Wooden Floor (Santa Ana, CA)
Carroll College Anthrozoology Program (Helena, MT)
Art With Impact (San Francisco, CA)
Equest (Wylie, TX)

Meg now resides in San Juan Capistrano, CA with her husband and four children.

About Unsilenced

Founded in 2021, Unsilenced is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization formed by survivors and allies. The organization is dedicated to protecting the civil, social, and human rights of youth by promoting appropriate, healthy, and effective alternatives to the largely unregulated Troubled Teen Industry. Through education, awareness, survivor and community support, and access to justice, Unsilenced aims to foster better health outcomes for children and youth struggling with mental health and educational challenges.

Meg’s Vision for Unsilenced

Meg's vision for Unsilenced is rooted in creating a culture and purpose-driven organization. She believes that volunteers who find purpose and value in their work can connect more meaningfully with the mission, thereby deepening their impact on the community. In just two years, Unsilenced has made significant strides in empowering survivors, supporting families, and positively influencing youth lives.

Introducing “Becoming UNSILENCED: Surviving and Fighting the Troubled Teen Industry”

Meg’s book, “Becoming UNSILENCED: Surviving and Fighting the Troubled Teen Industry,” was released in April 2024 and is already making waves in the literary and advocacy communities. This highly personal and invaluable first-hand account details the institutional abuse Meg and her peers suffered and the journey that led her to become an advocate for change.

The book exposes the lack of institutional accountability and safeguards within the Troubled Teen Industry. It confronts the tendency to pathologize typical adolescent behaviors, questions the effectiveness of "tough love" approaches, addresses deeply ingrained social issues, challenges faulty belief systems, and explores healthier alternatives for desperate families.

“Becoming UNSILENCED” is written for survivors and their parents, as well as for decision-makers and health professionals suggesting life-altering interventions for troubled teens. It is a powerful narrative that aims to educate, inspire, and drive change.

Key Themes and Messages in “Becoming UNSILENCED”

Survival and Resilience: Meg’s journey from a vulnerable teenager subjected to abuse to a powerful advocate for change.

Institutional Accountability: The urgent need for regulation and oversight in the Troubled Teen Industry to prevent abuse and neglect.

Mental Health Awareness: Highlighting the importance of understanding and addressing mental health issues in adolescents without resorting to harmful institutionalization.

Empowerment Through Advocacy: The transformative power of advocacy and community support in healing and empowering survivors.

Policy and Systemic Change: The critical role of policy change in protecting the rights and well-being of vulnerable youth.

Reviews and Reception

Since its release, “Becoming UNSILENCED” has garnered critical acclaim for its raw honesty, compelling narrative, and powerful message. Reviewers praise Meg's courage in sharing her story and her unwavering commitment to advocating for systemic change.

Praise for “Becoming UNSILENCED”:

“Meg reminds us of the strength that comes from speaking our truth and fighting for justice! Proud of you!” — Paris Hilton, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and survivor"’

Becoming UNSILENCED’ gives voice to all the teens abused in a very troubling industry. An important and compelling read for understanding coercion and cultic environments." — Sarah Edmondson, author of “Scarred: The True Story of How I Escaped NXIVM, the Cult That Bound My Life”

"Thanks to Meg for her openness and bravery that threads itself through her memoir, and through her life’s work.” – Rachael Bernstein, educator, therapist, author, cult and re-acclamation specialist

Meg Appelgate’s journey from a survivor of institutional abuse to a leading advocate for youth rights exemplifies the power of turning pain into purpose. Her dedication to ending institutional child abuse and empowering other survivors is a testament to her unwavering commitment to social change.

“Becoming UNSILENCED: Surviving and Fighting the Troubled Teen Industry” is more than just a book; it is a movement. It is a call to action for individuals, communities, and policymakers to join in the fight against institutional abuse and to support healthy, effective alternatives for struggling youth.

For more information, please explore the additional sections of this press kit, including detailed bios, organizational background, media contacts, and high-resolution images. Together, we can work towards a future where every child is safe, supported, and free from institutional abuse.

PRESS RELEASE 8/26/24 'Troubled Teen Industry' Releasing 'Unsilenced Impact' App

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