| Maybe the situation involves a homeless family, a medical concern, or just a single mom with nowhere else to turn when things get to be too much. Too often we hear about these struggles and worry about how the children are affected. My husband and I sat our children down several years ago and made a decision to do something to support struggling families instead of just talking about it. That’s when we called the Children’s Home Society & Family Services' Parent Support Services, and we have never regretted it!
We have had children in our home who were confused, angry and hungry. We’ve cared for children who have been diagnosed with AD/HD, even babies who were sick. The biggest reward for our family is to see these children prosper in our home, to see them laugh and smile--to give them a little peace for a while.
There are several children who stand out for us. The first is a 3-year-old who was verbally abusive and had some aggressive tendencies, who said to us at the end of the first night, "I like it when I’m not mad and I don’t have to hit." Then there was a 5-year-old who said at bedtime, " Do you promise you’ll make me eggs, biscuits, sausage and bacon in the morning? Pretty please, promise me!" Another was a 5-year-old who was so VERY active. He asked us if he could stay longer, and was already making plans to return to our home. To see the joy in his eyes was a true gift for our entire family.
Sometimes people think, "What can I do? I am only one person." Even in a short time, you can make an impact that will be lifelong for the parents and children who are in need of services. Offer them love, safety and stability in a time of need. Even though the service you provide is short term, it offers the hope that things can be different.
Volunteering as an overnight respite home is a great way for families to put their values into action. My teenage daughters are always the first to say yes to take a child; they willingly change their schedules to be home. They have experienced the value of giving back to their community and have learned a lot about themselves in the process. My children are a part of something so large, and they will always remember the life lesson that sometimes people just need a kind hand and a soft heart. My family is truly blessed to be a small part of this, and we encourage people to take a step of faith. Put your heart out there and help someone in need. You truly CAN make a difference.
To find out what you can do to help, please click here. | 
