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When Joey came to us, he was only seven years old.
He had already been in five foster homes. He rarely spoke above a whisper. He was always watching out for trouble. He tried to stay small, because being noticed didn’t bring good things. His world was uncertain and unseen... until he met his KIDS MATTER advocate, Dana.
Dana is a trained volunteer through our CASA program. She is one of many “everyday heroes” who choose to do something extraordinary. From the moment they met, Dana showed Joey what it means to be seen, heard, and valued. Dana introduced Joey to nature and outdoor adventures. She cared about Joey’s homework. She advocated for Joey’s needs at school and showed up for all of his child protective services court dates. She remembered Joey’s birthday. She listened. She stayed.
With Dana by his side, Joey started to come out of his shell. He made friends. He learned how to talk with his foster family instead of retreating. He learned to voice his needs and interests not only with Dana, but also in the classroom and with his peers. He started to have dreams for his future.
Today, Joe is 19. He is attending community college, studying to become a first responder and telling everyone at KIDS MATTER to call him Joe (not Joey!). His goal is to help kids like him find their way. He volunteers twice a week with children who are trying to find their voices amidst trauma. “I want to show kids that they matter too,” he says, “just the way Dana did for me.”
“It is hard to remember just how shy Joe was!” says Dana.
“It is hard to remember how little I knew about kids like Joey. I say get involved! The power to change a life is already in your hands!”
Your support changes a child’s story.
Kids who experience physical or sexual abuse, neglect or lose a parent to substance abuse find that their stories can become stories of hope, strength and resilience. Joe is the first one in his family to break the intergenerational cycle of abuse.
There are still so many kids like Joe who are waiting for someone to stand up for them. They’re waiting for a chance, for a Dana, and for a community that believes in their worth.
That’s where you come in.
Your generosity today ensures that KIDS MATTER can recruit, train, and support more everyday heroes. It allows us to provide the resources, guidance, and trauma-informed support that abused and neglected children so urgently need. You create possibility. You help children find strength and joy.
Will you make a year-end gift to KIDS MATTER and help us change the story for more children?
On behalf of Joe, Dana, and the hundreds of lives you’ve already touched… thank you.
Your investment in our children creates new beginnings.
Give hope a helping hand this holiday season by making your online gift today!
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