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Standing in the Gap
Ava* has always been tall for her age, and she loves wearing her hair in a ponytail. She is sweet, playful, and naturally intelligent, but when she first came to live at Epworth as a fifth grader, she lagged far behind her peers in school. She was placed at Epworth after being removed from her home due to physical neglect.
Ava’s Epworth team, comprised of tutors, a mental health counselor, house parents, and a faith formation leader, first took the time to get to know her. It became clear to them that Ava needed and craved adult attention and encouragement. Her home had lacked consistent structure and predictability, and she had never felt that anyone took interest in her schoolwork.
Epworth professionals know that they cannot fill the emotional ache left in a child by a parent’s absence, but they can make sure that the child receives all the other important things she or he needs to thrive. These needs go well beyond housing and food. Working together, Ava’s team came up with an individualized plan to help her catch up and reach her potential in school and gain confidence in her ability to succeed. They helped her build a foundation of trust – in them, in God, and in herself. Over time, Ava’s grades improved so dramatically, she began making the Honor Roll. Her personality blossomed, and she began making friends on campus and at school.
The staff felt deep joy and satisfaction at Ava’s turnaround. Unfortunately, when she left the Epworth residential program about a year later and had to transfer to a new school, Ava’s academic progress stalled. When she returned to Epworth eight months later, her Epworth team saw that her grades had dropped and a few new behavioral issues had arisen. So the team doubled down on the plan that had been so effective for Ava before – anchoring her day to day life with structure, positive activities, encouragement, and sincere interest in the efforts she was making in school.
Now in the eighth grade, Ava is back on the Honor Roll and truly flourishing. She has abandoned negative behaviors and is a delight to everyone who comes in contact with her. Ava clearly understands now how positive choices and behaviors can help her reach her goals.
You, too, are part of the Epworth team that stands in the gap to care and provide for children when their parents cannot do it. Please make a generous gift today to Epworth’s Mother’s Day offering on Sunday, May 12, knowing you are transforming the futures of precious children like Ava.
Click HERE to learn more about Epworth
*Children’s names and photos changed for confidentiality.
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