Your Support Makes it Possible
The Sacramento Children’s Home could not do its work without your generous support! And we know that you care about what your donation help us to accomplish. In this section of our site we are telling you the stories of our children and their families.
Please understand that we are required by law to protect the identities of our clients. While names/gender/age may have been changed the following profiles are real.
Deanne
After failing many foster home placements, Deanna came to the Home at age 13 with very low self esteem and oppositional behavior. She didn’t follow any rules, cursed staff, ran away frequently, smoked and engaged in other risky behavior.
Through the expressive arts sessions, Deanna discovered her talents for dance: jazz, modern and ballet. She became the queen of the resident’s talent shows and got into an arts program in her high school. She received a scholarship for a state arts program and was recognized by the mayor in front of the City Council at a meeting. Her biggest achievements, however, were that she stopped smoking, stopped running away, started bathing and combing her hair, relaxed and become more approachable, let her guard down and began accepting traditional therapy.
Deanna successfully transitioned into a healthy foster home. She taught dance lessons after high school and now teaches dance in Japan. It is our contention that Deanna’s participation in expressive arts allowed her to discover her talents, build her self esteem, heel her wounds and find peace with herself.
Deanna's story is the reason we provide therapeutic activities for our kids.
Going the extra mile … all the way north...
Marcus was a young boy who lived in our Cowell cottage for the younger residents – the one we are rebuilding. As with many of the children who live at the Home, an adult role model was missing from Marcus’ life. Life was not easy for him due to traumatic experiences in his young life. When Marcus came to the Sacramento Children’s Home, he was diagnosed with a Behavior Disorder, Depression and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. He had a history of tantrums and intentionally overeating to the point of having diarrhea and vomiting. He had problems in school which included not following directions and being disrespectful to school staff.
While living the Home, Marcus found not just one, but two Special Friends in Joy and Tony who, over time, developed a relationship with Marcus, allowing them to take him off grounds to spend quality time together. Joy and Tony enjoyed Marcus’ visits to their home and after spending time with each other, they received special permission to take him to celebrate the holidays at Joy’s brother’s home. That was the start of a life-lasting family for Marcus as he developed some strong, solid relationships with the family. When it was time for him to graduate from the Sacramento Children’s Home, Marcus was able to go to the home of Joy’s brother for a one year placement under the courtesy supervision of Shasta County. During that year, Marcus grew up a little more and made many new friends.
Marcus was adopted in the Fall of 2008. He is a great example, why the Home will not give up on these children. Their options are limited and the Home provides that safe and therapeutic environment they need.
Here is a recent e-mail we received from Marcus’ Special Friends:
Just wanted to let you know that Marcus … has a "Forever Family"! He was adopted by Ron and Misty (stay at home Mom) … on November 19th. There were over 20 people from all parts of his life, including school, church, and neighborhood at the courthouse and many more came to the potluck celebration afterwards at their home. He looked like a pretty happy boy. He is so much more physically mature than the last time you saw him and he was all dressed up in coat and tie. The family all wore blue and it kind of signified their unity. He is doing well in school and is a top player on the tennis team. His coach is a young fellow who has him under his wing and Marcus has become the team leader. He will finish his K-8 school this year and go on to high school in the fall. He and his Dad enjoy music, fishing, boating, and backpacking together.
It took a Home to make things work
The Special Friends program gives hope to kids that have come to believe they will never be loved. Imagine if every adult in your life was paid to be there and do what they do for you. It is hard to believe that they would be there for you if not paid. A Special Friend is there for the child because they want to be. Their only interest is what is best for the child. The child does not share this person with anyone else.
In Marcus’ case the Special Friend started by giving him one hour of undivided attention, in the cottage, once a week. Over time the trust increased as did the special friend time. Once Marcus was able to manage one positive relationship, his Special Friend brought in her husband. This provided another challenge for Marcus, but it was measured and sequential in order to assure success. The next step was activities away from cottage. First, there were routine outings into the community, like getting treats, shopping, going to movies. Then, Marcus was introduced to the extended family and began attending family functions. Each step had its own challenges and regressions, but his Special Friends were methodical and patient as Marcus increased his ability to tolerate close trusting relationships. The Home facilitated Marcus’ incremental discharge to a family member of the Special Friend by negotiating with the placement worker and the courts. When it came time for permanency, the Children’s Home again became the facilitator in transitioning Marcus to a home that was intended to be a lifelong permanent home.
It would be wonderful if every story of a child that comes to us would end this way. It takes a tremendous amount of teamwork, persistence, and patience on everyone’s part to make this happen. But it is worth it. This is what we are here to do and it should be done for each and every child.
The Home’s Special Friend Program
As a Special Friend you play an important role in the life of a child who lives at the Sacramento Children’s Home. Your commitment to a child helps him or her to rebuild self-esteem, develop respect, have a positive adult role model, improve behavior and academics, and learn to trust.
Usually it starts with being a Cottage Volunteer. While helping out in the cottages – after passing the necessary background check- you may develop a relationship with one child in particular. As a Special Friend you have the chance to focus your time on that child in an effort to build a friendship that will endure even beyond their stay at the Home. Each volunteer commits to a full year of involvement when they start. And most remain long after – inspired by the very kids they first sought to inspire.
As a Special Friend, you’ll spend at least an hour a week with your friend. At first, it will be in a group setting. As you and your friend come to know each other, you’ll develop a routine that might include playing games, doing homework, visiting the zoo or just talking.If you are interested in learning more, contact our Volunteer Coordinator Judy Schefer at 916.452.3981.