Connie was kidnapped by her father after her parent’s divorce. During the five years she was with her father, she experienced both physical and sexual abuse from her father and uncle. The abuse continued even after her father remarried.

Connie was returned to her mother’s custody, but she was physically abused by her step father. Connie’s behavior became so problematic that she was placed in foster care and finally in our care. At 15, Connie had no sense of right and wrong and didn’t know how to behave in society. After extensive work with Connie and her mother who left her stepfather, Connie began to heal. She is now an independent responsible young lady with a caring mother who wishes to build a normal life for the two of them. NOTE: Connie remained an excellent student during the entire time of her trauma.

Nancy... When Nancy first arrived; every one wondered if perhaps our decision to accept her into care was a mistake. She was uncooperative, manipulative, self-destructive and defiant. It was a struggle every day to battle her low self-esteem. In fact, all of Nancy’s previous counselors, teachers - even her parents - had given up on her.

To Nancy’s credit, she has made significant progress and has become much more independent and less dependent on “the system.” Although her self-esteem is still an area of concern, she has learned to take pride in her appearance. Her self-destructive behaviors have been alleviated altogether. Reunification between Nancy and her parents is a reality now because Nancy cares enough to make the investment in herself.

Orphans of the living
Since they were in kindergarten, Cory and his younger brother Shawn, had to go outside to the cold garage an hour before the school bus arrived to pick them up. Their mom didn’t like them to be in the house. It was cold that winter morning and had been snowing all night long. Cory decided he wouldn’t get on the bus. He was too embarrassed by the bruises his stepfather had left on him the night before. It wasn’t the first time Cory had been beaten, it happened often when his mother and stepfather came home.

Cory and Shawn are orphans of the living. Even though they have “parents,” they are unloved and uncared for, often not having food to eat or warm clothing to wear. Their mother and stepfather were often out of the house pursuing the crack cocaine they were addicted to.

After too many days spent hiding in the garage and too many bruises, officials sent Cory and Shawn to our care where they are safe, warm, and cared for. Cory is beginning to deal with the anger and shame he felt – to understand that it was not his fault that he was abused. He is working hard at school where he is catching up to his grade level. And this Christmas the boys will receive gifts when they gather around the Christmas tree. Perhaps the best gift they receive will be the gift of healing that is taking place already – because caring Christians across the Church provide for children like Cory and Shawn.

Debbie’s faith was fading. She had spent her whole life waiting – waiting for those who were supposed to love her to show they cared. Was it any wonder that she could not understand why strangers here were filled with Christian love? She was skeptical, but through the time she lived at Farmington, she came to accept the love that was offered. Now, Debbie has faith for her future.