Eleven-year-old Derek is, “the happiest kid alive” right now, according to case manager Jennifer, a testament to the resiliency of children and their ability to bloom with love and attention.

Derek came here last year and has since moved to another residential center as a steppingstone to foster care. Although Derek made many good memories of our home, he will probably remember the holiday season most of all.

Derek got to go home with a staff member and her family on Thanksgiving and Christmas. Before Christmas day, however, Derek was fully involved in Holiday preparations, something he had never before experienced.

“We take decorating a tree for granted, but Derek had never had a tree before,” said Jennifer. “He loved helping to decorate it.”

“He got to write down what he wanted for a Christmas gift – a remote control car. Thanks to a generous donor, he received his car and just went crazy with excitement over it,” said Jennifer.

Derek’s attachment to a toy contrasts with his ability to form human attachments, said Jennifer. “He’s had a lot of hurts in his short life.”

Susan came to us as many children do; sad, alone, and abused. She could not understand why the parents whom she adored could be so cruel as to leave her to fend for herself at the tender age of 9. While they loved their daughter, they loved their crack cocaine even more. So after stays in numerous foster homes—8 in all, Susan came to live in our care. She kept herself apart from the other girls and refused to cooperate in therapy and other opportunities to heal. But the members of a local church had a project work with the girls and volunteer began taking Susan to church and out for lunch each Sunday.

Susan began to look forward to the visits. She listened intently to the pastor who talked about healing and unconditional love. Susan is doing much better now. Susan has begun to work with the care givers and is beginning to heal. The care of not only paid staff, but loving volunteers has helped Susan turn her life around.

When Trisha came to our care, her most evident characteristic was her rebellious attitude. She was very strong willed and was determined to not follow our program. Trisha fought the system every step of the way. However, patience and persistence paid off and Trisha made a remarkable change. The same strong will that propelled her rebelliousness became the vehicle that brought success. Trisha became successful in high school and will soon graduate. She has gained a scholarship so she can pursue her dream of becoming a teacher. Trisha is an example of a young person that simply needed a period of stability in her life during which she could put her life back together.