Due to neglect and abuse, and just two days before the holidays last year, nine-year-old Gage was removed from his childhood home.
In just one evening, Gage’s world was turned upside down, and he came into The Home’s care. While our staff does everything possible to create a warm, nurturing environment, the holidays were a painful reminder to Gage of everything he had just lost.
Though it wasn’t safe for Gage to stay in his house, his biggest wish was to be reunited with his mom. He even used our computer to research how he could get back to her. He also worried that Santa wouldn’t know where to find him.
At The Home, we work hard to ease the pain of separation and bring joy to our children at the holidays. Many of our programs orchestrate outings to festive community events, visits from our kids’ hometown sports heroes, gift exchanges and fun on-site parties to create memorable holiday magic for our kids. Our committed staff decorate children’s rooms, helps them create a small wish list, and uses proceeds from our Big Wishes Campaign to make those wishes a reality. We even set aside extra gifts, just in case other children arrive suddenly.
There is certainly no place like home for the holidays, but when home isn’t an option, youth in our care experience the warmth of the season where they are – with staff who make sure they feel safe, seen and supported.
