Kelsie and Bobby's Story

Kelsie, age 13; and Bobby, age four; lost their mother to a rare form of cancer just six months ago. Their uncle Dan, the only person left to care for the children, moved the children into his small apartment. Despite Dan's best intentions, the stress quickly became too much for him to handle; and after missing several days of work when Bobby was ill, he lost his job. Now completely unable to care for the children's physical and emotional needs, Dan brought Kelsie and Bobby to CEDARS.

For the last month, Kelsie, Bobby and Dan have been attending counseling together, working hard to find positive ways to understand their grief and adapt to Dan's care. Kelsie and Bobby continue to stay with CEDARS while Dan works to find a job and be financially able to take the children home.

Your support makes it possible for children like Kelsie and Bobby to find safe respite when the challenges of life put them in danger. Luckily, Dan realized he needed help before tragedy occurred. Thank you for giving Kelsie and Bobby safety and security when they needed you most.

Lily's Story

Lily was just 17 months old when she made a visit to CEDARS - the first of many. Her mother suffered from mental health issues, her father was incredibly violent, and both were heavy substance abusers. When Lily was still quite young, her mother left, leaving her in the care of her father. However, he was unable to properly care for her, and she eventually became a ward of the state.

Lily's environment and upbringing had taken quite a toll on her behavior. When Health and Human Services placed her in foster homes, families struggled to handle her explosive temper, aggressive behavior and constant threats. While in foster care, Lily often saw her father, but was once again witness to severe abuse that sent her father to prison and Lily reeling backwards.

Once again, CEDARS was there to care for Lily. CEDARS looked for a good fit for Lily. In her new home, Lily found a foster father with a great sense of humor about her eccentricities, a foster mother who provided her with love and nurturing and two foster sisters who refused to put up with any attitude.

Lily worked hard to overcome her past obstacles and change her behavior. With support and a strong desire Lily and her new foster family flourished. Lily was officially adopted in March of 2003. She grew strong and is a safe, healthy and happy young lady.

• Carlos' Story
  
  "I am extremely grateful for the opportunities that would never have been possible without CEDARS and I can hardly wait to see what life holds around the next curve and bend."
  
  Placed into protective custody with CEDARS over 10 years ago, after his father committed suicide, Carlos's life was hanging in the balance. He wasn't looking for opportunities just around the corner; he just needed someone to help him get through the day.
  
  Now Carlos doesn't need CEDARS to get him through the day. Growing up with us, he has learned the skills he needs to take care of the day to day on his own. But he still turns to CEDARS for some of the big decisions in his life.
  
  As he heads toward graduation day and contemplates a four-year degree Carlos never looks back. He has already gone further than he ever imagined he could. Now Carlos knows it is ok to dream big. With continued support from his network of counselors and friends, he is making plans to record a CD of music he has composed, and considers moving for greater career opportunities. Life still holds a number of unknowns for Carlos, just as it did when he came to us 10 years ago, the difference - Carlos fearlessly faces opportunities he is equipped to take advantage of, there is no more fear.
  
  "I have a future, which is huge."