Never had I ever seen intentional bruising on the forehead of an infant child. Or watched a young boy say goodbye to a parent he knows he'll never see again. Or consoled a baby girl for two hours until she cried herself to sleep in my arms. Until I started working at Youth Emergency Services & Shelter.

In my nearly five years at this incredible agency, I've met hundreds of children who fo und safety and shelter under YESS' roof. I've heard their heart-wrenching stories, and I've listened to their cries. I've seen tears stream down their faces, and I've watched as YESS staff work so hard to provide the comfort and love these children have never properly received. I've shared in their smiles and joined in their laughter. And I leave work every day knowing I have the opportunity to come back the next morning to learn more from these incredible kids.