Giving Children In Crisis HOPE

Bobby first came into foster care, he was 9 years old. He was so embarrassed by his house, when he had visits with his parents, he asked his foster parents to drop him off 2 blocks away, so he could walk the rest of the way and they wouldn't see his house. Bobby slept on the floor at this foster home and refused to sleep in the bed. Eventually, his foster mom found out the reason. Bobby had never slept in a bed. His mattress at home was so soiled with dirt and animal feces, there was no way he could sleep on it. It took six months for him to finally sleep in his warm, safe bed at his foster home.

Ethan's mom died when he was 4. His dad had never been in the picture and he, along with his siblings, were left in the care of his elderly grandfather. Things were going well, until Ethan's grandfather also passed away. After that, it was Ethan and his siblings alone with no other adult caregivers in their lives. Ethan's brother was just 18 and not equipped to handle the responsibility of being his family's fulltime caregiver. Ethan didn't attend school and ran wild in the streets-- cold, dirty and hungry. He stole food for himself and his younger brother. Eventually, he was picked up by the police. At just 7 years old Ethan was terrified and tired. He was tired of being dirty, hungry, and cold. He had no idea where he was going to go or what would happen to him next. Hope Children's Home gives kids like Ethan HOPE.

Destiny's mom died when she was 6. After that, Destiny was sent to live with family member after family member so they could receive "her check". When one family member got tired of her, they simply put her on a plane by herself and sent her to another family member. During this time, Destiny rarely attended school and there was no stability or consistency in her life at all. At 12, Destiny was living with an aunt. That's when Destiny's "uncle"--her aunt's live in boyfriend, started to pay "special attention" to her. Her bought her gifts and was really nice to her. Then other things started happening that Destiny knew were not right. Over time, Destiny's aunt was becoming more and more jealous about the time, money, and attention her boyfriend was pouring over Destiny. When Destiny finally got the courage to tell her aunt about the sexual abuse, her aunt was enraged!!! Not at her boyfriend, but at Destiny. She was so mad, she drove Destiny to a remote location and tried to shoot her. Fortunately, Destiny was able to escape her aunt and fled to safety. The authorities were called and Destiny was taken into foster care.

Today Destiny is doing wonderfully with her new family. She still struggles at times but given the place she came from, the things she has accomplished are absolutely amazing. Her success story wouldn't be possible without people in the community willing to step up and help children in foster care.

These are the stories of children in foster care. They are not in another country. They are not in another state. They are right here in our community.

In our area (Cape, Perry, and Bollinger County):

* Over 250 children are in foster care

* There are only 39 licensed foster homes

In the state of MO

* Over 10,000 children are in foster care

* 1500 of these children are in need of a permanent adoptive home

Nationally

* Close to 400,000 children are in foster care

* Over 100,000 of those children are in need of a permanent adoptive home

As a community we need to pull together to give kids in foster care HOPE for their future Not everyone can open their home to a child, but everyone can get involved.

Perhaps you have time and love to give? You could volunteer, become an advocate or mentor, or provide respite care. Perhaps you have been blessed financially? You could donate. Perhaps you have other gifts or talents? You could provide a meal, become a tutor, give music lessons, host a sports clinic, provide a meal, do a project, hold a donation drive or fundraiser at your place of business.... whatever your gift to share may be.

In honor of National Foster Care Awareness Month, let's all make a difference for the children in our area who through no fault of their own, are living through times of crisis. For more information on how you can make a difference for children in our foster care system contact Hope Children's Home at 573-204-1558 or by email: mayberrycrissy@gmail.com